Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are at a higher risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.

German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their active lifestyle and deutscher schäferhund Kaufen österreich demands for exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary check-ups, deutscher schäFerhund kaufen öSterreich proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the most important factors to good health for this large breed.

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 85% of cases, schäFerhund kaufen the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the brain's base. In about 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, German Shepherd Buy Puppy which are located on the top of the kidneys.

If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more water and frequent the outside for potty breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.

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

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, if it's not treated and identified early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can livent between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit perfectly to endure the rigors of daily movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common reason why dogs are lame in their front legs.

In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

Early signs of the disease in dogs include a slight limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or deutscher SchäFerhund kaufen österreich upon 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 main types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be seen on one or both elbows.

The best method currently to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia are not passed to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM usually manifest in older dogs, and SchäFerhunde Suchen Ein Zuhause then progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known why some dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs can live for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist looks for other diseases that have similar symptoms and asks for blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes this disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that may impact their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is usually 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 causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will become completely disabled. They might not be able to move their rear legs.

Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.