10 Places To Find German Shepherd Life Expectancy

Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental agility.

They are at greater risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.

German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their high activity levels and demands for exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and regular exercise are the key to 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 cause of the disease. In 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located near the base of brain. Around 15 percent of the instances the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and consume more food than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, the majority of dogs suffering from this condition will have normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal.

The way the owner manages the condition can affect the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.

Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and can cause infections in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the risk of this issue.

Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their deep, narrow chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should go to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative care.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

The first signs of the disease in dogs include a mild limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases. There may 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 a unique appearance on x-rays and can be seen in both elbows or one of them.

The best method currently to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. The disease can still be present even after screening. The most effective method is to only breed dogs whose parents are found to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass to 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. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear 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 controlled by medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is common for owners to elect to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create a detailed medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. navigate to this website will also be taken to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its proper position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.

Related Home Page is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of the disc's nucleus. This causes intense pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs in any way.

Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.