Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental sharpness.
Their size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that may impact lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to support their active lifestyles and exercise.
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. Knowing these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, which is a tiny organ located near the base of 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.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more water and be outside more often for potty breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness.
A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and detected in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal.
The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies 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 diseases. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums and may cause infection in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less susceptible to this problem.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and back end up) Take your pet to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia can develop. It is the most common reason for dogs to be lame in their front legs.
In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition as early as possible.
The first signs of this disease in dogs include a mild limp or intermittent one, particularly after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting 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 major types of elbow dysplasia. Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found on one or both elbows.
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. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.
Unfortunately, there is 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 are able to live for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is typical for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will look for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt can also result in the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.
The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.