Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental agility.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions 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 appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog 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 typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more water and go outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the disease.
A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition will be able to live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
How the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques, as well as build an effective network of support are more likely to extend the pet's life.
As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this problem.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds because of their deep, narrow chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching without food coming in or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
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 perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones becomes damaged and causes pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include a mild limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in 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 is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be seen in both elbows or one of them.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These diseases can still occur even after screening. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs from parents that have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, 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 regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others don't, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed by medication, but the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can live for months or years with a high quality of life, however it is common for owners to opt for euthanasia once the dog becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.
To determine if you have DM the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutation associated with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not be able to use their rear legs.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.