Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds in the working line typically lead 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, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, 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 that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located close to the base of the brain. In around 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and consume more food than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results will show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, he needs medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. The condition could be fatal if it's not treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also cause 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 handled by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.
Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may lead to infections in other organs like the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with little or no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and back end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater 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 with regular veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early.
The first signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, 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 the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and may be found in one or both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these issues. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing onto 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 symptoms of DM usually manifest in older dogs and eventually progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.
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, too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is common for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. sneak a peek at these guys will also be obtained to permit analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs even.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. similar web site is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.