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 regards to physical and mental agility.
They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which could affect their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their high activity levels and workout demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds may suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding schäferhund kaufen welpe and taking the proper steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary visits, 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 in the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent cause of the disease. In 80 to 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located close to the brain's base. About 15 percent of the time the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys.
belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich can cause pets to be more active and consume more food than normal. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet needs to drink more water and be outside more often for potty breaks. 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 then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring the adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition are able to live normal lives when they are properly medicated and monitored. However, the condition may be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink.
How a pet's owner manages the condition could affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.
Like all breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infections in other areas of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this condition.
Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, due to their narrow, deep chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an enlarged stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should bring them to an emergency vet immediately.
German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to stay on top of your dog's veterinarian treatment and preventative measures.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs.
In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing pain, swelling, and lameness. The damage is not reverseable, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.
There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be found either on the elbows of both elbows.
Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is currently the best way to prevent these problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Certain dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are incapable of standing or walking on its own.
Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be obtained to permit analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress 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 can be prone to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to ensure their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it belongs. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks.
Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It results in intense back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It could be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They may not even be able to move their rear legs.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.