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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

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

Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.

German Shepherds in the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their high activity levels and exercise demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can 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 on the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common reason for the condition. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.

If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's may also cause increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.

A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results indicate the degree to which his cortisol levels are.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition will be able to live normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and live a long, happy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could be killed due to oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.

The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by how the condition is controlled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.

As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may cause infections in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition.

Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds due to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat such as Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.

German Shepherds with bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to keep up with your dog's medical care and preventative measures.

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 perfectly to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some cases the cartilage between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition early.

The first indications of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.

There are three types 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 can be found on both elbows or one of them.

A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. These diseases can still occur even after screening. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known what causes dogs with this disease get it, and others don't despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs are able to live for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is typical for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.

Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause this disease. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures that support their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma 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 intense back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It can be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely disabled. They may not even be able to move their rear legs.

The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.