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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of physical and mental sharpness. They are at greater risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions which can affect their lifespan. German Shepherds of the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to support their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds may suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these conditions and taking appropriate steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good 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 on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In 80 to 90% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. In about 15 percent of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease can cause pets to be more active and eat more than usual. The condition also causes increased thirst and urination, which means the pet needs to drink more fluids and go outside more often for potty breaks. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy. A veterinarian can identify the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and measuring the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will require medication for the duration 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 have normal lives. However, the condition could be fatal if it is not treated and diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may remain healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die from oxygen deficiency or injury in a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is managed by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate seizure management strategies and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's life span. As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to gums and teeth and may cause infection in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the chance of developing this condition. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not addressed immediately. If your Shepherd is showing symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an overly full stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should take them to an emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds with bloat have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's important to keep your dog current by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together in a perfect way to withstand the rigors of daily movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason dogs become weak in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage. The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there could be fluid inside the joint. There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows. Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The signs of DM usually manifest in older dogs and eventually become paralyzed. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others do not, despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to live for months or even years with a high standard of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are unable to stand or walk on their own. To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest 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 monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can help you take preventative action to ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk “donut” doesn't stay where it is. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is connected with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. This results in intense back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed, and may be not able to use their rear legs in any way. deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal “wear and tear” that causes the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.