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.
Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that may affect their lifespan.
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 prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good nutrition and daily 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 adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. In approximately 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and consume more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it will require medication to duration of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and identified early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury in a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.
reinrassiger schäferhund of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop strategies to manage seizures and create an extensive network of support, will be more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like most breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, including the kidneys, liver and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog 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) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include a mild limp or a sporadic one, particularly after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also 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 can be observed on one or both elbows.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been shown to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is considered to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed by medication, but the condition is progressive and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can live for many months or even years with high quality of life. However, deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own.
Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how 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 doesn't remain in its correct position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will be completely disabled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.