Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition and daily exercise will keep this large breed in good health.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the condition. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a tiny organ located near the base of brain. In approximately 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 suffers from Cushing's, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and take frequent breaks to urinate. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring the adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will manage the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition can have normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and detected early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which can quickly be fatal.
How a pet's owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who can closely monitor their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques, as well as build a strong network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition may cause severe damage to gums and teeth, and even lead to infections in other organs, like kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines turn and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as retching or heaving with no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds that experience bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage.
The first signs of this condition in dogs are a slight limp or intermittent one, particularly after exercise or when 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 kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and may be seen in one or both elbows.
Currently, the best way to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These conditions can still develop even after screening. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder 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 can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or even years with high quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.
Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will search for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also 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 may affect their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be totally disabled. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs.
The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.