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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. They are at a higher risk of developing illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan. German Shepherds of the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and demands for exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds may suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, proper diet and regular exercise will keep this large breed in good health. blaue schäferhunde (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 between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the instances the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes active and consumes more food than normal. Cushing's may also cause an increase in thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and take frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy. A doctor can diagnose this condition by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. The medication will manage the symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and diagnosed early enough. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly be fatal. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and build a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's lifespan. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition 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 care are less prone to this condition. The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up), you should take them to an 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 important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling, and lameness. The damage is not irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may 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 xrays and could be present in one or both elbows. Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. However, even with screenings, these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is believed to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own. Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take an accurate medical record to determine DM. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar symptoms and asks for blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes this disease. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to allow for analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in severe back pain and back arching, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely crippled. They may not even be able to use their rear legs. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.
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