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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their peak between 2 and 6 years old. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness. They are at greater risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions that could affect their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their high activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent reason for the condition. In 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary, which is a small organ that is located near the base of brain. Around 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys. If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than normal. Cushing's can also trigger more thirst and increased the need to urinate. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and also go outside for potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy. A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the rest of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition live normal lives. The condition could be fatal when it isn't treated and detected early enough. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink. The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span. Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and can cause infections in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch inwards, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat, such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should go to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds who experience Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative care. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an articulation between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. schäferhund kaufen welpe 's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some cases of the disease the cartilage between the bones becomes damaged and causes pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first 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 advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may 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 its own distinct appearance on x-rays and may be present in both elbows or one of them. A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these problems. These conditions can still develop even after screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia are not passed onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs and may become paralyzed. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease get it, and others don't, despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs are able to live for months or years with a high standard of life, however it is typical for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and requests blood samples to determine the genetic mutations that cause 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 services. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they impact your dog will aid you in taking preventative steps that will prolong their lives. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus and a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If the disk is damaged, the soft nucleus could hit the spinal cord with great force and cause severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease, but sudden trauma could cause herniation. Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not even be able to use their rear legs. Type II IVDD typically occurs in dogs that are older. It's the result of normal “wear and tear” that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.