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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 strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness. Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan. German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these issues and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen to the vet, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can keep this large breed in good health. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. The condition is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized body located near the brain's base. Around 15% of the instances, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys. If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the rest of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. Most dogs with this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed early enough. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink. The way the owner manages the situation can affect the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. An owner who can closely keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet. Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe dental and gum damage and may cause infection in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, because of their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, like retching or heaving with no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) Take them to the emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds with 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 up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of movement. If they don't match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some instances the cartilage between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is not reverseable therefore it is crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage. The first indications of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases and there may be fluid in the joint. There are three major kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and may be present in both elbows or one of them. Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to only breed dogs from parents that have been shown to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others don't. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Certain dogs can live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are incapable of standing or walking on its own. To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be taken to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” isn't remain where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrousus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force and cause severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will become completely paralyzed. They might not be able to use their rear legs. Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. This type of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.