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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability.

They are more at risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds typically lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their active lifestyles and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live a longer life. Regular visits to the vet, proper diet and regular 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 approximately 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. Around 15% of the cases the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness.

A veterinarian can identify 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 level of cortisol in the patient is.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the duration of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.

How a pet's owner manages the condition can affect the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop strategies to manage seizures and deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich establish an effective network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan.

Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental diseases. Untreated, this condition can cause severe dental and gum damage and may cause infections in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the risk of this issue.

The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and become filled with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.

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

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, Deutscher Schäferhund pflege and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition as early as possible.

The first signs of this disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or a sporadic one, particularly after 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 may be fluid in the joint.

There are three main types of elbow dysplasia. Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found on both elbows or one of them.

Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. But, despite screenings these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich pflege (80.82.64.206) elbow dysplasia are not passed 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. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear why some dogs with this disease develop it and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.

Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs can live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own.

To diagnose DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will check for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will 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. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, 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 usually an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will be totally paralyzed. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.

Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.