Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of mental and physical sharpness.
Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to maintaining good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common cause of the condition. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In around 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, which means the pet has to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to rest his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs with this condition will have normal lives. However, the condition can 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 a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
deutscher schäferhund pflege of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop seizure management techniques, as well as create a strong network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause severe dental and gum damage and can cause infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the risk of this problem.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up) then take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to be on top of your dog's veterinarian care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't connect perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most frequent reason why dogs are disabled in their front legs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The first signs of the disease in dogs include a slight limp or a sporadic one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there may be fluid in the joint.
There are three major types of elbow dysplasia. Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be present in both elbows or one of them.
Presently, the best method to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. The disease can still be present despite screenings. The most effective method is to only breed dogs whose parents are found to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease while others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Certain dogs can endure for months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor 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 can be prone to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrosus, as well as a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. It can be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will be completely disabled. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear leg.