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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental toughness. They are more at risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health issues that can affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds often have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to meet their activity levels and demands for exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Knowing these issues and taking the correct steps to prevent or manage them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, 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. The condition is usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85percent of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In around 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on the top of the kidneys. If a pet is suffering from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than normal. Cushing's may also cause an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and take potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are also signs of the illness. A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy life. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or a traumatic injury that occurs during a seizure. Epilepsy that is not treated properly can result in depression or the inability to eat and drink. The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures, as well as create a strong network of support, are more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan. Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to teeth and gums, and could cause infection in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this problem. Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds because of their narrow, deep chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and become filled with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching with no food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up) Take them to the emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog up to date with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb) and 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 fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent reason why dogs are weak in their front legs. In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage. The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases. There may be fluid in the joint. There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen on both elbows or one of them. Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. The most effective strategy is to only breed dogs that come from parents who are found to have good elbows. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known what causes dogs with this disease get it, and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. mouse click the next webpage can be controlled by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a good quality of life, but it is typical for owners to opt for euthanasia once the dog becomes unable to stand or walk on their own. To diagnose DM, your vet will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation associated with this condition. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine the areas of the spinal cord affected by DM and track the progression of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc fails to remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus may strike the spinal cord with great force and cause severe pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma can cause herniation. Type I IVDD is characterized by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause intense pain in the back, arching back, 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 chord is compressed and dies then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They may not even be able to move their rear legs. Type II IVDD usually occurs in dogs that are older. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This causes herniation and compression of the spine. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or exercise. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.