15 Things You Don't Know About 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. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental agility.
Their size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may affect their lifespan.
German Shepherds of the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions that include 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 visits to the vet, good 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 90% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, which is a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet will need to drink more fluids and be outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and live a long, happy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during seizures. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could rapidly lead to death.
How the owner manages the situation can influence the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich who can closely monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet.
As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this issue.
Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, thanks to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as crying or heaving, with little or no food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up), take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who suffer from bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most frequent reason for dogs to be lame in their front legs.
In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling, and lameness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
The first signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and may be present in both elbows or one of them.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these issues. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease and others do not.
Unfortunately, there's deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich 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 endure for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is common for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are unable to stand or walk on their own.
To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. The neurologist will also obtain a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify 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 aid in slowing the progression of the disease.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. It could be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be completely disabled. They might not be able to move their rear legs.
Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that causes the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. Signs include reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the rear leg.