Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness.
They are more at risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and regular exercise are the keys 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 that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a small organ located near the base of brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.
Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and consume more food than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the condition.
A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results will show how high or low his cortisol levels are.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the duration of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition will live normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or injury during the course of a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which can rapidly lead to death.
The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise methods to manage seizures, as well as create an extensive network of support are more likely to prolong their pet's life.
Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to gums and teeth and can lead to infection in other organs like the kidneys, liver, and the 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 bloating. 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 promptly, this condition can be fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example crying or heaving, without food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone of 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 perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and numbness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are important.
The first signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich in the joint.
There are three major types of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions can be found on one or both elbows.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these problems. The disease can still be present despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others do not.
Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Some dogs live for many months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own.
To diagnose DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives.
Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain, arching of the back and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It could also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally crippled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike schäferhund baby kaufen , this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head or back, an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.