Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
Their size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to help them meet their activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition and daily exercise will keep this large breed in good health.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a small organ located close to the brain's base. In approximately 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more fluids and be outside more often for potty breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition have normal lives. The condition could be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.
The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is controlled by the owner. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop strategies to manage seizures and establish an extensive network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to gums and teeth and even result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and become filled with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows symptoms of bloat like the retching, heaving, an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should take them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds that experience the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason for dogs to be weak in their front legs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The first signs of this disease in dogs are a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three main kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found either on the elbows of both elbows.
Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs whose parents are found to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease get it, and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition is progressive and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to opt for to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if you have DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform a neurological examination. The neurologist looks for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutation associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may alter their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. When herniated, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness or even paralysis. deutsche schäferhundwelpen is typically a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be totally disabled. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.
Type II IVDD usually occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the annulus fibers that are weakening expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear leg.