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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are more at risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that could affect their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds may suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, schäferhund Abzugeben and. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases the tumor is located in the pituitary gland purebred German shepherd Puppy which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.

If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet needs to drink more water and go outside more often for potty breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy.

A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and detected early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and live a long, happy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal.

How the owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop seizure management techniques and build an extensive network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.

Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this condition.

Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example retching or heaving with no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) Take your pet to the emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich (Www.Vrwant.Org) radius, and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.

The first signs of this condition in dogs are a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a sitting 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 types of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be present in one or both elbows.

A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best way to prevent these problems. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto 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 variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high standard of life, however it is not uncommon 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 diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated this disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its proper position. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of 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. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be being unable to move their rear legs at all.

Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.