Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

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

Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that can impact lifespan.

German Shepherds of the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and exercise demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, proper 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. A tumor in the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common cause of the condition. In 80 to 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In approximately 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys.

When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet will need to drink more water and go outside more often for potty breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the disease.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are.

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

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression or a failure to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal.

How a pet's owner manages the condition could affect the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.

Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental problems. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infections in other areas of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this problem.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition could be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up), take them to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to be on top of your dog's veterinary treatment and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.

In some instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition early.

The first indications of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There may 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 Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on x-rays and may be found in one or both elbows.

Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these issues. The disease can still be present even after screening. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have good elbows. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from being passed onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease while 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 can live for months or even years with a high standard of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own.

To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will search for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Additionally 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 susceptible to certain health issues that may affect their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures that support their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus and a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will become completely paralyzed. They might not be able to move their rear legs.

The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.