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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of mental and physical ability.

They are more at risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health issues that can affect their lifespan.

German Shepherds in the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their high activity levels and workout demands.

Cushing’s Disease

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing’s disease. Understanding these conditions and taking correct steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the key to maintaining 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 between 80% and 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain’s base. About 15 percent of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.

When a pet has Cushing’s, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition can also cause more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and also go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy.

A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results show how high or low the patient’s cortisol level is.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition can be able to live normal lives. The condition could be fatal in the event that it isn’t treated or diagnosed early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.

How the owner manages the situation can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog’s medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to prolong their pet’s lifespan.

Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the chance of developing this condition.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines turn and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately the condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching with no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it’s important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia can develop. It is the most common reason why dogs are weak in their front legs.

In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling and lameness. This damage is not reversible therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important.

Early signs of the condition in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog’s elbow 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 has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be present in one or both elbows.

Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective strategy is to breed only with dogs that come from parents who have been shown to have good elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It isn’t known why some dogs with this condition develop it, while others do not despite being genetically predisposed.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition can progress and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs endure for months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.

Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This causes intense pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs in any way.

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 causes the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.