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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They are at their best 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 have a negative impact on their lives. Working line German Shepherds often have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their active lifestyle and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular visits to the vet, 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 of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary gland, a small organ located close to the base of the brain. About 15% of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys. If a pet suffers from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair, a bloated appearance, and lethargy. A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumour. Most dogs with this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and identified early enough. Epilepsy German Shepherds with epilepsy that is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die from oxygen deficiency or injury in a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink. How a pet's owner manages the condition could influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet. Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infections in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible 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 deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinarian treatment and preventative measures. 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 have to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage. Early signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or a sporadic one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There could be fluid inside 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 observed on one or both elbows. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed onto offspring. reinrassiger schäferhund is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and eventually become paralyzed. The condition is thought to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others do not. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the disease progresses and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to live for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own. To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and will request blood samples to determine the genetic mutation that causes with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to allow for analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may reduce their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that supports their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrousus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can cause herniation. Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often being unable to move their rear legs in any way. The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's the result of normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.
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