Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are at greater risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can impact their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their high activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to maintaining 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 usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. In approximately 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than usual. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and also go outside for potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone 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.
Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the duration of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the 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 detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
How a pet's owner manages the situation can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan.
Like other breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the chance of developing this condition.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund could be fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving without food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up), take them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative care.
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 comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. It is the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition as early as possible.
The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three major types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and may be seen in one or both elbows.
Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto 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 manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs can live for many months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't stay in its proper place. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied with weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs in any way.
Type II IVDD usually occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes herniation and compression of the spine. This form of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.