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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of physical and mental agility.
Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health issues that could affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the brain's base. About 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's can also trigger more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the condition.
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 analyzing his adrenal response. The results will show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the duration of his life. This medication will slow 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 medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and diagnosed early enough.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in seizures. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
How a pet's owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an effective network of support, are more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious dental and gum damage and may lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the risk of 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 twitch and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not addressed immediately, this condition can be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and numbness. This damage is not reversible therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important.
king shepherd kaufen of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there may be fluid in the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be present in one or both elbows.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these issues. These diseases can still occur even after screening. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, however the disease progresses and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are incapable of standing or walking on its own.
Your doctor will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, often not able to use their rear legs in any way.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of the spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.