Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at greater risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that could affect their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity 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 issues and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the key to good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. The condition is typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 90% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In around 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more water and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the remainder 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 can be fatal in the event that it isn't treated or detected early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.
The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support system is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.
Like most breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infection in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this problem.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, thanks to their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like retching 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 right away.
German Shepherds that experience the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is essential to keep up with your dog's medical care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't connect perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
deutscher schäferhund pflege of the disease in dogs include a slight limp or intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may 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 has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be seen in both elbows or one of them.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass 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. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the disease progresses and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to live for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect to kill their dog when it becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform a neurological examination. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to determine the genetic mutation that causes this disease. deutscher schäferhund pflege will also be taken to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can help you take preventative action that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, known as 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 usually a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation 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. It could also be accompanied with weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely disabled. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear leg.