German Shepherd Life Expectancy's History History 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. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of physical and mental ability.
Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at 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 the top of the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the disease.
A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the duration of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and live a long, happy life. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or a traumatic injury that occurs during seizures. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.
Like other dog breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to teeth and gums, and could cause infections in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this issue.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving without food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up), take them to an emergency vet right away.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich with the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is essential to keep up with your dog's veterinarian treatment 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 make up the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If 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 the bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is irreparable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage.
Early signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases. There could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be present in both elbows or one of them.
Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high standard of life, however it is typical for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated this disease. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can alter their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs even.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear leg.