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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular visits to the vet, 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. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common cause of the disease. In 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a tiny 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 top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more water and be outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance, and lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. Most dogs suffering from this disease can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition could be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop methods to manage seizures and create an extensive network of support are more likely to prolong their pet's life. As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause severe damage to gums and teeth and even cause infection in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition. Shepherds are at a much higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, due to their chests that are narrow and deep. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) It is recommended to go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an integral part of the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs. In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or a sporadic one, particularly during 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 types of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be present in one or both elbows. The best method currently to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed to offspring. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen , a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease develop it and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, however the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected 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 pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy can be 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 impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease, but sudden trauma can trigger herniation. Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the disc's nucleus. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It could be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, often being unable to move their rear legs in any way. The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of the spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.