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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between ages 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds typically have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these issues and taking correct steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the most important factors to maintaining good health for this large breed. 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 on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the brain's base. About 15 percent of the instances, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys. If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urine production. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include hair loss as well as a potbelly appearance, and a lack of energy. A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then executing the adrenocorticotropic 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. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the duration of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs with this condition can be able to live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink. How the owner manages the condition can affect the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who can be vigilant about their dog's medication, and develop seizure management techniques and also create an extensive network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's life. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the gums and teeth and even result in infection in other parts of the body, like the liver, kidneys and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this issue. The chests that are deep of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines turn and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat, such as Heaving, retching, or an overly large 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 are at a higher risk 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 by arranging veterinary visits and preventative treatment. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and the ulna and radius, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to endure an entire lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones erodes and leads to swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are important. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or after getting up from a seated 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 has a unique appearance on x-rays and can be present in both elbows or one of them. The best method currently to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still occur. deutscher schäferhund kaufen is to only breed dogs from parents that have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't 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. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs, and can progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is not known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease get it, and others do not despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled by medication, but the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Certain dogs can last for a number of months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's typical for owners to choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own. To determine if you have DM the doctor will take a detailed medical history and then conduct an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other diseases with similar symptoms and requests blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be collected to enable analysis and exclude other diseases. deutscher schäferhund kaufen may recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to pinpoint areas of the spine that are affected with DM and track the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can alter their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog will help you take preventative measures that support their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus. It also has an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is usually an autoimmune process, but the sudden trauma can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This causes intense back pain arching back, a weakness of the rear limbs and lameness of the hind limbs. This condition can also result in the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord is compressed and dies the dog will be completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs at all. The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of the spine. Contrary to Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by heavy exercise or trauma. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.