15 Things You Don't Know About German Shepherd Life Expectancy
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 peak in terms of physical and mental ability.
They are at a higher risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that can impact their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their high activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good nutrition and daily 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. A tumor of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common reason for the condition. In about 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness.
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 will show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, he needs medication for the rest his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also 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, liver, and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this problem.
Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, without food coming in or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly to withstand the rigors of daily movement. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage.
The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are schäferhund baby kaufen of elbow dysplasia. They are: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found either on the elbows of both elbows.
The best method currently to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and eventually progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed with medication, however the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen can last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are incapable of standing or walking on its own.
Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they affect your dog can help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it is. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.