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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental ability. They are more at risk of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions that could affect their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their high activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking appropriate steps to prevent or manage them can help your dog 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. The condition is typically caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located close to the brain's base. In around 15 percent 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 consumes more food than normal. Cushing's may also cause more thirst and increased urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more fluids, and go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance and lethargy. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich will show 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 remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition will have normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. However, a dog that suffers from seizures that are not controlled may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or injury in the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death. How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and build a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, like the kidneys, liver and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less prone to this condition. Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds because of their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twitch and fill with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should go to an emergency vet right away. German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge 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 have to be perfectly aligned to allow for continuous movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the leading cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain instances the cartilage between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to diagnose and treat the condition at an early stage. The first signs of this disease in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint. There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on both elbows or one of them. Currently, the best way to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. The disease can still be present despite screening. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs whose parents are found to have healthy elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is considered to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others do not. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed with medication, however the condition can progress and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is typical for owners to elect euthanasia once the dog becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other diseases that have similar symptoms and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutations that cause this disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to enable analysis and to exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that could affect their lifespan. Understanding these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can help you take preventative action that supports their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it is. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, known as an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition However, sudden traumas can trigger herniation. Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. It could also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally paralyzed. They might not be able to move their rear legs. The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal “wear and tear” which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.