Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of mental and physical agility.
Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their high activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking proper steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys 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 on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the instances the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet needs to drink more water and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the disease.
A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.
Once 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. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs with this condition will have normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.
How the owner manages the condition can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an extensive network of support, will be more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.
As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe dental and gum damage, and even lead to infection in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately this condition can become fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like retching or heaving without food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and back end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who suffer from 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) along with the radius and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly to allow for continuous movement. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most frequent reason dogs become weak in their front legs.
In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition as early as possible.
Our Web Site of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases. There could be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be present in one or both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. But, despite screenings these diseases can still be present. The most effective method is to only breed dogs from parents that have been shown to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass 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 usually manifest in older dogs and may develop into paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease get it, and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or even years with high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be taken to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of disc's nucleus. This can cause severe pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs in any way.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.