Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. They are at greater risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can impact their lives. German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. 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 on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys. If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the condition. A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated early. Epilepsy German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink. How the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in less than half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and back end up), take them 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 so important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some cases the cartilage between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid inside 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 Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen on one or both elbows. The best method currently to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, despite schäferhund kaufen österreich , these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear why some dogs with this disease develop it and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed. 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, too. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect to kill their dog when it becomes unable to stand or walk on their own. Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar clinical signs, and asks for blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint 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 help to slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can cause herniation. Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and results in intense back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely disabled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs. Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.
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