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 sharpness.
They are at a higher risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions which can impact their lives.
Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the most important factors 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 usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. Around 15% of the instances the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than usual. The condition can also cause an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water and go outside for potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy.
A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.
Once king shepherd kaufen has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If deutsche schäferhunde kaufen are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.
The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise strategies to manage seizures, as well as create a strong network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's life.
Like other dog breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may cause infection in other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the risk of this problem.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines turn and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with no food coming up, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It is the most common reason why dogs are disabled in their front legs.
In some instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
The first signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or after getting up from a resting position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may 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 the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best way to prevent these problems. The disease can still be present even after screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can live for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is typical for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
To determine if you have DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid to allow for 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 areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally crippled. They may not even be able to use their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This form of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.
