Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can impact their lives.
German Shepherds of the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular 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 one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. In around 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, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and take potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy.
A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition will have normal lives. However, deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury during seizures. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
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 closely monitor their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures and also build a strong network of support, are more likely to prolong their pet's life.
Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to gums and teeth, and even lead to infections in other organs like kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this issue.
Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become deadly in as little as half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with little or no food coming in or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't connect perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some cases the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition early.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include the appearance of a slight limp or intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be reinrassiger schäferhund in the joint.
There are three main kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be observed on both elbows or one of them.
The best method currently to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These conditions can still develop despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective strategy. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease while others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar clinical signs, and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated this disease. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid 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 determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Understanding deutscher schäferhund kaufen and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of disc's nucleus. This can cause intense pain in the back arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.