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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its best in regards to physical and mental agility.

They are at greater risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that could affect their lives.

Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to help them maintain their high levels of activity and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Knowing these conditions and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the most important factors to maintaining good health for this large breed.

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 frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the instances the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.

Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and consume more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, which means the pet needs to drink more water and go outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a potbellied appearance, and a lack of energy.

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

Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can lead normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or identified in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and einen deutschen schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz deutscher schäferhund kaufen - http://128.199.175.152:9000/entzuckendeschaferhundwelpen3022, diagnosed correctly can live an extended and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.

The way the owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise seizure management techniques and also create an effective network of support, will be more likely to extend the pet's lifespan.

As with all breeds of dog German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infection in other areas of the body, such as the liver, kidneys and heart. Regular dental visits 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 are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition could be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your dog shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up), take them to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds with bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to keep up with your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs.

In some cases the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important.

The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases and there may be fluid in 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 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. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known why some dogs with this disease get it, and others don't despite being genetically predisposed.

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 can live for months or even years with a high quality of life, but it is not uncommon for Buy German Shepherds owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes unable to stand or walk on their own.

To diagnose DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis, and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its proper position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This causes intense back pain arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely disabled. They might not even be able to move their rear legs.

The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.