Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages of 2 and 6. 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 muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that may affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to maintaining good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent reason for the condition. In about 80% to 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. About 15 percent of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the duration of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition can live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during seizures. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.
How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to prolong their pet's life span.
Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.
Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, because of their narrow, deep chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If blaue schäferhunde shows symptoms of bloat like retching, heaving, or an enlarged stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to stay on top of 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) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of movement. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs.
In some instances of the disease the cartilage between bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat the condition as early as possible.
Early signs of the disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three main types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be present in one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these issues. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to choose 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 doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow 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 help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures that support their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although 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 and results in intense back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of the spine. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.