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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. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may have a negative impact on their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands which are located on the top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, which means the pet needs to drink more water and frequent the outside to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the condition. A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and diagnosed early enough. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death. The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is managed by the owner. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong the life span of their pet. As with other breeds of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to be perfectly aligned to allow for continuous movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs. In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. schäferhund welpe kaufen is not irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a slight 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 could also be fluid in 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 on one or both elbows. Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective method is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others don't. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can live for many months or even years with high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own. To diagnose DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and asks for blood samples to examine the genetic mutation associated with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to allow for 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 pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress 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 can be prone to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that supports 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, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas could cause herniation. Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of disc's nucleus. This causes intense pain in the back arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also result in weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often unable to use their rear legs at all. Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by heavy exercise or trauma. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.