20 Reasons To Believe German Shepherd Life Expectancy Will Never Be Forgotten
Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions which can affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from numerous health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, proper diet and regular 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 typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than normal. Cushing's can also trigger more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and take toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss as well as a potbelly 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 the adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the rest of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs with this condition can have normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink.
How a pet's owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication, and develop seizure management techniques and also establish a strong network of support are more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.
As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, like the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition.
The deep chests of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition could cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd is showing symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an enlarged stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet right away.
Related Home Page with Bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is an articulation between 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 must be able to fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition as early as possible.
The first signs of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid in the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed either on the elbows of both elbows.
Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs whose parents are found to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM typically surface in older dogs and may develop into paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs endure for months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own.
Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrosus, as well as an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within that absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be completely disabled. They might not be able to walk on their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.