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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 regards to physical and mental agility.
They are at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that could affect their lives.
Working line German Shepherds often lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to help them meet their activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing’s Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They also are susceptible to Cushing’s Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can 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 on the pituitary gland or on 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. About 15% of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing’s, it becomes active and consumes more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet has to drink more fluids and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy.
A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. The results will show the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition will have normal lives. The condition could be fatal when it isn’t treated and identified in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or Deutsche SchäFerhunde Kaufen a failure to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog’s medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet’s life span.
As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and may lead to infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the risk of this problem.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition could be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching without food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it’s important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. When they don’t, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. It’s the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling, and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and deutscher schäferhund kaufen treatment are important.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or Deutsche Schäferhunde kaufen upon getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, a dog’s range of motion at the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside the joint.
There are three main types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found on one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these issues. The disease can still be present despite screening. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn’t known what causes dogs with this disease get it, and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition progresses and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for months or even years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to choose euthanasia once the dog becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create a detailed medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally, Blue shepherds 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 at risk of certain health issues that may impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that supports 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 Schäferhund welpen österreich Kaufen an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the disc’s nucleus. This causes intense back pain arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. It may be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will become completely crippled. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.
