Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can impact their lives.
German Shepherds of the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular visits to the vet, proper diet and regular 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 about 80% to 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at 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 disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more water and frequent the outside for potty breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.
A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
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 tumor. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs with this condition live normal lives. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or detected in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.
The way the owner manages the situation can influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition may cause severe damage to gums and teeth and may cause infection in other organs like kidneys, liver, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this issue.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. More inspiring ideas is why it's important to keep your dog up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition as early as possible.
review of the disease in dogs are a slight limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on both elbows or one of them.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. But, despite screenings these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective method. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a good quality of life, however it is common for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar clinical signs, and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and results in intense back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs even.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.