Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could impact lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to support 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 conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular visits to the vet, 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. A tumor in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common reason for the condition. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the brain's base. In about 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood, and performing the 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 the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the rest of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy 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 may also cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
How a pet's owner manages the condition could affect the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Recommended Website who is able to monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may result in infection in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can lower the chance of developing this condition.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, because of their narrow, deep chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach if the intestines twist inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up), take your pet 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 up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must 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 why dogs are lame in their front legs.
In some cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition early.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, particularly after exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on xrays and could be present in both elbows or one of them.
A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others don't.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disorder. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It results in intense back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely disabled. They may not even be able to use their rear legs.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.