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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 mental and physical ability.

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

Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and workout demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Regular visits to the vet, proper 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, which is a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.

If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's may also cause an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water and take frequent breaks to urinate. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the disease.

A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it will require medication to duration of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition will live normal lives. The condition could be fatal in the event that it isn't treated or identified early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.

The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an extensive network of support, are more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.

As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may cause infections in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less susceptible to this issue.

Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up), you should take them to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is essential to be on top of your dog's veterinary treatment and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.

In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage.

The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also 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 Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.

Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs from parents that are found to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing on 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 usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be a canine form 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 and others do not.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.

reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe  will conduct a neurological exam and take an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impacts. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however the sudden trauma 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 and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely disabled. They may not even be able to move their rear legs.

The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.