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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability. Their size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that 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 meet their high activity levels and demands for exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, 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. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz of the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common reason for the condition. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a tiny organ located near the base of 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 to be more active and consume more food than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more fluids and frequent the outside to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness. A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring the adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the patient's cortisol level is. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the duration of his life. This medication will control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition will live normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds with epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can rapidly lead to death. The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by the way the condition is managed by the owner. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop methods to manage seizures and establish an effective network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan. As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause serious dental and gum damage and may cause infections in other organs like the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less prone to this problem. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet right away. German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to stay on top of your dog's veterinary 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 the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent reason for dogs to be lame in their front legs. In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, mainly following exercise or upon getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses 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 can be seen on one or both elbows. Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. These diseases can still occur even after screening. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs from parents that have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being 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. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease and others do not. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed by medication, but the condition progresses and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with a good quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases with similar clinical signs and take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen may also request cerebrospinal fluid samples to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an uncompressive nucleus pulposus within which absorbs impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with great force, causing severe pain, weakness or paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden insertion of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal and causes intense pain, back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally disabled. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs. Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal “wear and tear” that causes the weakened annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.