Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health issues that could affect their 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 are susceptible to various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible 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 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 usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located near the base of brain. About 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above 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 urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more fluids, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the rest of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs with this condition have normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or detected in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
The way the owner manages the situation can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop strategies to manage seizures and also establish an extensive network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's life.
Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums, and could cause infections in other parts of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue.
The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. 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 becomes damaged and causes pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to identify and treat the condition early.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a resting 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. They are: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen on one or both elbows.
The best method currently to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective method is to only breed dogs that come from parents who are found to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and may develop into paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or even years with good quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for the option of euthanasia if their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis, and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. reinrassiger schäferhund causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. This form of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.