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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability. They are at a higher risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that could affect their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to help them meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking appropriate 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 on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most frequent cause of the disease. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the time the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and also go outside for toilet breaks more often. deutscher schäferhund pflege , a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the condition. 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 measuring his adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it will require medication to remainder 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, most dogs suffering from this condition can be able to live normal lives. The condition can be fatal when it isn't treated and diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat or drink. How a pet's owner manages the condition could affect the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and devise methods to manage seizures, as well as establish an extensive network of support, are more likely to extend the pet's lifespan. Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. If left untreated, this issue can cause serious damage to teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, including 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 make them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines are twisted inwards, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, rear end is up) You should take them to an emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds who suffer from bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is crucial to be on top of your dog's veterinarian care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an articulation 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 must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. When they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Early signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or intermittent one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there may be fluid in the joint. There are three types of elbow dysplasia. They are: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on both elbows or one of them. Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. These conditions can still develop despite screening. The most effective method is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is 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. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being schäferhund welpe kaufen predisposed this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or years with a high quality of life. However, it is typical for owners to choose euthanasia when their dog is unable to walk or stand on its own. Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will search for other diseases that show similar clinical signs and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutations that are associated with this disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to enable analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Additionally, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can impact their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc doesn't stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal of the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also result in weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will become completely crippled. They may not even be able to use their rear legs. The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. deutscher schäferhund pflege leads to compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or vigorous exercise, unlike Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear leg.