A Glimpse Into The Secrets Of German Shepherd Life Expectancy
Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to meet their activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the most important factors to a healthy and happy large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 90% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. Around 15% of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than usual. Cushing's may also cause more thirst and increased the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and take potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the disease.
A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to duration of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition can be able to live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is handled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. Untreated, this condition can cause serious dental and gum damage and may lead to infection in other organs like kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this problem.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.
In some cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The first indications of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases and there may be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them.
Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs whose parents have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is considered to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known why some dogs with this disease develop it and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is currently reinrassiger schäferhund for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can last for a number of months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for euthanasia when their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
Your veterinarian will conduct an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and 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 belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs at all.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.