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You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This German Shepherd Life Expectancy’s Tricks
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 large size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that can impact lifespan.
Working line German Shepherds typically have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and demands for exercise.
Cushing’s Disease
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing’s Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to good health for this large breed.
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet’s body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. The condition is typically 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, sized organ located at the brain’s base. Around 15 percent of the cases the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys.
If a pet suffers from Cushing’s disease, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing’s also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more water 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 hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the 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 disease, he will require medication for the rest of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression or a lack of appetite or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.
The way the owner manages the condition could have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog’s medication, create appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support system is more likely to prolong their pet’s life span.
As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infections in other parts of the body, like the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the risk of this problem.
Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, due to their chests that are narrow and deep. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up), you should take them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds with the condition of bloat are more at chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is crucial to stay on top of your dog’s medical treatment and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don’t match properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It’s the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs.
In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed and it is therefore crucial to identify and treat the condition at an early stage.
The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, the dog’s elbow range of motion decreases. There could also 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 has a unique appearance on x-rays and may be seen in both elbows or one of them.
The best method currently to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. These conditions can still develop even after screening. The most effective method is to only breed dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass 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. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs, and then progress to paralysis. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it’s unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others don’t.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to choose to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms, and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutations that cause with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Additionally 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 may impact their life expectancy. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterised by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed, and may be unable to use their rear legs even.
Type II IVDD usually occurs in older dogs. It’s a result of normal “wear and tear” that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening expanding with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn’t triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.