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5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every German Shepherd Life Expectancy

Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They’re at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.

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

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

Cushing’s Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing’s disease. Knowing these conditions and taking the right steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to 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 on one of the adrenal glands. In 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the cases, Deutsche schäferhunde kaufen the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

If a pet is suffering from Cushing’s, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing’s also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more fluids and be outside more often for potty breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the condition.

A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s, he will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn’t treated or identified early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog that has seizures that are uncontrolled could die from oxygen deficiency or injury in a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal.

The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog’s medication, and develop methods to manage seizures and also establish an extensive network of support, are more likely to prolong the pet’s life.

Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and even result in infection in other parts of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this issue.

The deep chests of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. 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 position (front feet down and the rear end up) then take them to the emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds that experience bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it’s so important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative care.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don’t fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It’s the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is not irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances the dog’s elbow’s range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.

There are three major kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them.

Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig’s disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn’t known why some dogs with this disease get it, and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own.

Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar clinical signs and request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be obtained to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health problems that can impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist 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 proper position. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force, causing severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely disabled. They may not even be able to move their rear legs.

The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It’s a result of normal “wear and tear” that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.