Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are at greater risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions which could affect their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to help them maintain their active lifestyles and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed.

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 that is located near the base of brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.

When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the condition.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the duration 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. The condition could be fatal in the event that it isn't treated or identified in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die 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.

The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.

As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infections in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, liver and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this issue.

Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their chests that are narrow and deep. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching without food coming up 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 experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care.

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 fit together perfectly for a lifetime of movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.

In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition early.

The first indications of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There could be fluid in the joint.

There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found on both elbows or one of them.

Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these issues. However, despite screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs from parents that have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not despite being genetically predisposed.

Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a high standard of life, however it is common for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar symptoms and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutations that cause this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be taken to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may alter their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its proper position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This causes intense back pain arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also cause the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs at all.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.