Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental ability. Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that may impact lifespan. Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog 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 typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 90% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the brain's base. In around Read Homepage of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and consume more food than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die from oxygen deficiency or injury in seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink. The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental problems. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, including the kidneys, liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the risk of this problem. Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated immediately this condition can become fatal in just half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, without 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 immediately. German Shepherds who experience 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 by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most frequent reason why dogs are disabled in their front legs. In certain instances the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint. There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows. Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. These conditions can still develop even after screening. The most effective method is to only breed dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM usually manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others do not despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Certain dogs can endure for months or even years with high quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are incapable of standing or walking on its own. To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and then conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to determine the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't stay in its proper place. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This causes intense pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs in any way. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear leg.
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