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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

They are at a higher risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen other health conditions which could affect their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and exercise demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the appropriate steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are the most important factors to a healthy and happy large breed.

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 on one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. In approximately 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys.

If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, which means the pet has to drink more fluids and frequent the outside for belgian shepherd dog puppies for sale austria potty breaks. Loss of hair, a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.

A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results show how high or low his cortisol levels are.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and Einen deutschen schäferhund Kaufen keep the symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can live normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and detected early.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which can quickly be fatal.

The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is handled by the owner. An owner who can closely check the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.

Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to gums and teeth and even cause infection in other parts of the body, Blaue SchäFerhunde including the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.

The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately, this condition can be fatal in just half an hour. If your dog shows signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with no food coming up, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take them to the emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatments.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't connect perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some cases the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition early.

The first signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases. There may be fluid in the joint.

There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.

Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. These conditions can still develop even after screening. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease while others don't.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own.

Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will search for german Shepherd Puppies other conditions that have similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This causes intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, and may be being unable to move their rear legs even.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers expanding with fluid, buy german shepherd dog Austria leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by trauma or exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.