Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are at a higher risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that could affect their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to support their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, proper 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 pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In about 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet will need to drink more water and be outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the condition.
A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to rest his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the 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 it is not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly be fatal.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is controlled by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like most breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this problem.
The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should go to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. This damage is not reversible, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may 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 seen either on the elbows of both elbows.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. The disease can still be present even after screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, however the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs are able to live for months or even years with a high standard of life, but it is typical for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist may also request a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the areas 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.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung are susceptible to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness or even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This results in intense back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed. They might not be able to walk on their rear legs.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form 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 an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.