Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at a higher risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to meet their high activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular visits to the vet, good 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. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the condition. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the base of the brain. About 15% of the time, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than normal. The condition can also cause more thirst and increased urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and also go outside for potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the illness.
A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results will show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are properly monitored and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. The condition could be fatal if it's not treated and detected early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
How a pet's owner manages the condition can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop strategies to manage seizures and establish an extensive network of support, will be more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this issue could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental treatment are less susceptible to this problem.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving without food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) Take them to the 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 essential to be on top of your dog's medical treatment and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned to allow for continuous movement. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition early.
The first indications of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, 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 kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and may be found in both elbows or one of them.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best option to avoid these issues. But, despite screenings these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from 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 typically manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutation that causes with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Recognizing deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz and understanding how they impact your dog will help you take preventative action to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This causes intense pain, back pain and back arching, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It can also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed. They might not be able to walk on their rear legs.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.