Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness. Their large size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health issues that could have a negative impact on their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds can suffer from numerous health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ located close to the brain's base. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys. When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition can also cause an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more water and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy. A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to rest his life. This medication will control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition can have normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly be fatal. The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures and also build a strong network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's life. As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums and may cause infection in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition. Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, due to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds with bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is crucial to keep up with your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an articulation between 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 fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain, and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition early. The first signs of the disease in dogs include the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint. There are three types 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 may be present in one or both elbows. The best method currently to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear why some dogs with this disease get it, and others don't despite having a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition can progress and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is typical for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. To diagnose DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar clinical signs, and requests blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated with the disease. The neurologist may also request a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will aid you in taking preventative steps to ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas can trigger herniation. Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It may be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs at all. Type II IVDD usually occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.
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