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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 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their large size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may impact lifespan. German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to support their 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 correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good nutrition and daily 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 usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized, sized organ located at the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases the tumor is located 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 normal. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, which means the pet will need to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring their adrenal response. The results show how high or low his cortisol levels are. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the duration of his life. The medication will help control the symptoms and slow the growth of the tumor. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. However, the condition can be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could be healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which can quickly be fatal. How a pet's owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop methods to manage seizures, as well as build an effective network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet's life. Like most breeds of dogs, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. Untreated, this condition can cause serious damage to the gums and teeth, and even lead to infections in other organs like kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this issue. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This ailment can be fatal to the stomach when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an enlarged stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up), you should bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is crucial to keep up with your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to endure a lifetime of movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It is the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones becomes damaged and causes swelling, pain, and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early. The first signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could 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 found either on the elbows of both elbows. Currently, the best way to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. However, despite 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 healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others don't despite having a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed by medication, but the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with a high quality of life. However, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen for owners to opt for to kill their pet if they are in a position to walk or stand on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct a neurological exam and take a detailed medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to permit analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify 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 help slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness of the hind limbs. It can be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not be able to move their rear legs. Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's the result of normal “wear and tear” that causes the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear legs.