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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.

German Shepherds in the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or manage them can help your dog live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, Schäferhund baby Kaufen which is a small organ located near the base of 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 to be more active and consume more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and SchäFerhundwelpen urination, so the pet needs to drink more water and be outside more often for potty breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.

When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. Most dogs with this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or injury during seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.

How the owner manages the condition can affect the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan.

Like other breeds of dogs German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue could cause irreparable damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this condition.

Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds because of their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach or Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe is in a praying position (front feet are down, and schäferhundwelpen reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen (similar resource site) the rear end is up), you should bring them to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds that experience 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 current with veterinary visits and preventative care.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition as early as possible.

The first signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly following exercise or upon getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases and there could be fluid inside the joint.

There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them.

Presently, the best method to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. The disease can still be present despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM usually manifest in older dogs, and then progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease while others don't.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can last for a number of months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.

To diagnose DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis and to rule out other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression 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 at risk of certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will 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" isn't remain where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and a soft nucleus which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus can hit the spinal cord with great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however an accident that is sudden 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 nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. It could be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely disabled. They might not be able to use their rear legs.

Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the annulus fibers that are weakening expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear legs.