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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. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of physical and mental ability.

Their large size puts them at a greater chance of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health issues that could impact lifespan.

Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, schäferhund welpe kaufen elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular visits to the vet, proper 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 on the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common reason for the condition. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.

When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats 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 also go outside for schäFerhund kaufen Welpe frequent breaks to urinate. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is.

Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it will require medication to duration of his life. The medication will manage his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. Most dogs suffering from this disease are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or detected early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink.

The way the owner manages the condition could affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an effective network of support, SchäFerhunde Kaufen will be more likely to extend the pet's life.

Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this problem.

The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, like retching or heaving with no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down, rear end up) then take them to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who suffer from the condition of bloat are more at risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint between 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 perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and SchäFerhund Kaufen Welpe numbness. The damage is not irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases, and 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 seen on one or both elbows.

A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these problems. However, despite screenings, these conditions can still happen. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs whose parents are found to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

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

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a high standard of life, but it is common for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are unable to stand or walk on their own.

To determine if you have DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will check for other conditions that have similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to enable analysis and exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will aid you in taking preventative steps to ensure 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 fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus can hit the spinal cord with a great force, causing severe pain, weakness, Schäferhund BeschüTzerinstinkt or even 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 into the spinal canal. It causes intense pain, back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will become completely paralyzed. They might not be able to use their rear legs.

Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. Normal wear and Altdeutscher Schäferhund Kaufen tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of the spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.