Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health issues that could have a negative impact on their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can keep this large breed in good health.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. In around 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and lethargy.
A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. schäferhund kaufen österreich involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results will show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not detected and treated 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 from oxygen deficiency or injury in a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
The way the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition may cause serious damage to gums and teeth, and even lead to infections in other organs, like the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up), take them to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinary treatment and preventative measures.
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 form the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when 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 types of elbow dysplasia. These include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found on both elbows or one of them.
Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven healthy is the most effective method. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others don't despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Understanding 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 stay in its proper place. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This causes intense pain, back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, and may be unable to use their rear legs even.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.