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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

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

Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and workout demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily 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. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common reason for the condition. In 80 to 85% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, which is a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.

When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than normal. The condition can also cause an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and a lack of energy.

A veterinarian 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 show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or the inability to eat and drink.

The way the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop strategies to manage seizures and also create an effective network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.

As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this condition.

Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than other breeds thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, for example crying or heaving, with little or no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds with bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to be on top of your dog's medical care and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an articulation between 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 able to fit together perfectly to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.

In some cases the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate which can cause pain, swelling and schäferhund kaufen lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are important.

The first signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated 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: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund schäferhunde kaufen [read this blog article from digitaltibetan.win] and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed either on the elbows of both elbows.

Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these issues. However, despite screenings, these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being 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 managed by medication, but the condition is progressive and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.

To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally 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 may affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally disabled. They might not be able to walk on their rear legs.

The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.