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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. The German Shepherd is at its best in terms of mental and physical ability. Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can have a negative impact on their lives. Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and demands for exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good diet, and regular exercise are the most important factors to good health for this large breed. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor on the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common reason for the condition. In approximately 80% to 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. In around 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. When a pet has Cushing's, it becomes active and eats more frequently than normal. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and go outside for potty breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include loss of hair as well as a potbelly appearance and lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, it is required to take medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease can lead normal lives if they are properly treated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and identified in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die from oxygen deficiency or injury during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat and drink. How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely keep track of the dog's medication, develop appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a solid support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet. Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental disease. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and may cause infection in other organs like the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this condition. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. This condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not treated promptly. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as retching, heaving, or an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, and the rear end is up) You should go to an emergency vet right away. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to be on top of your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia can occur. It's the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, particularly following exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases. There may be fluid in the joint. There are three main kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions is distinct in its appearance on x-rays and can be present in both elbows or one of them. Presently, the best method to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow issues. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs from parents that are found to have good elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others do not. Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, but the disease progresses and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs as well. reinrassiger schäferhund will continue to live for months or even years with a high standard of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to choose to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. Your doctor will conduct a neurological exam and take an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar symptoms, and requests blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could impact their lifespan. Knowing these conditions and how they impact your dog will aid you in taking preventative steps to ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc fails to remain in its proper position. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, 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 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 herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and results in intense back pain, arching of the back, weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often being unable to move their rear legs in any way. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal “wear and tear” which results in 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 isn't caused by trauma or exercise. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.