Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental agility.
They are at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that could affect their lives.
German Shepherds of the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to support their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the key 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 that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and consume more food than normal. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and also go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the condition.
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 the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If schäferhund kaufen österreich are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition be able to live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their chests that are narrow and deep. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching without food coming in 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 right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects 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 perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition early.
Early signs of the disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or when 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 main types of elbow dysplasia. Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to 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. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear why some dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs are able to live for months or even years with a good quality of life, however it is typical for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.
To determine if you have DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and then conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this disorder. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also 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 could affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it belongs. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This causes intense back pain arching back, a weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It can be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often unable to use their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. schäferhund kaufen of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. schäferhund kaufen include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.