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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between the ages of 2 and 6. 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 could affect their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise. 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 correct steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer life. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause to the vet, good 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 in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common cause of the condition. In about 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In around 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the disease. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs with this condition can live normal lives. The condition can be fatal in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be affected by the way in which the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to check the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish 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 disease. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may cause infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated promptly the condition could be fatal in less than half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up), you should 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 important to keep your dog current with regular 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 must fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are important. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint. There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be found in one or both elbows. Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these issues. These diseases can still occur despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective strategy. This will stop the genetics for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and eventually lead to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known what causes dogs with this condition develop it, while others don't despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is common for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes unable to stand or walk on their own. Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that may affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its correct position. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force and cause extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder, but sudden trauma could cause herniation. Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It results in severe back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They may not even be able to use their rear legs. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal "wear and tear" that causes the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.
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