Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of mental and physical ability.
Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health issues that could have a negative impact on their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their activity levels and exercise demands.
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. Understanding these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or manage them will 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 between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, which is a small organ that is located near the base of brain. About 15% of the time, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the disease.
A vet 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 show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can quickly turn fatal.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is controlled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If left untreated, this issue could cause irreparable damage to gums and teeth and even result in infection in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as retching, heaving, or an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition as early as possible.
The first signs of this condition in dogs are a mild limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be seen in 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, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs from parents that are found to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known why some 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 with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs last for a number of months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
To diagnose DM the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar symptoms and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to allow for analysis and 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 with DM and monitor the progress of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may alter their life expectancy. Knowing deutschen schäferhund kaufen and the ways they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It may be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, and may be being unable to move their rear legs in any way.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.