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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of mental and physical agility. They are at a higher risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions which can affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds usually have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to numerous health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition and daily 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 of the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, which is a small organ located close to the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the instances, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys. When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and also go outside for toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the illness. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the rest of his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs with this condition will live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or identified early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die from oxygen deficiency or injury during seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death. How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet. Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this issue could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infections in other parts of the body, like the kidneys, liver and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the risk of this issue. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet right away. German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit together perfectly for a lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs. In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early. The first signs of the disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or intermittent one, particularly after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There could be fluid inside the joint. There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen either on the elbows of both elbows. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best option to avoid these issues. But, despite screenings these diseases can still be present. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs, and then develop into paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known why some 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 progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can live for many months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own. Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are prone to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc doesn't remain in its correct position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with a great force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also cause the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs. Type II IVDD usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense 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 appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.