Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental sharpness.
They are at greater risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health issues that can impact their lives.
Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich and taking proper steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. 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 on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 90% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and frequent the outside to take a break from the toilet. 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 conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results show the degree to which his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the rest of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition be able to live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is managed by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. Untreated, this condition can cause severe dental and gum damage and can cause infections in other organs, like the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, due to their chests that are narrow and deep. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately, this condition can be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date by arranging 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 have to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent reason why dogs are weak in their front legs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode and cause swelling, pain and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat the condition as early as possible.
Early signs of the disease in dogs are a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could 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 Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be present in both elbows or one of them.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these problems. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs and eventually become paralyzed. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is 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, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can live for many months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutations that cause with this condition. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures that support their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and results in intense back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.