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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. They are more at risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health issues that can affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds usually lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to support their high levels of activity and exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds can suffer from numerous health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary checks, proper diet, and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy and happy large breed. Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands is the most common cause of the disease. In between reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe and 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, a tiny organ located close to the brain's base. Around 15 percent of the cases the tumor is located on the adrenal glands which are located above the kidneys. When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the disease. A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and carrying out an adrenocorticotropic hormonal 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. 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 live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and diagnosed in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly diagnosed and treated can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink. The way the owner manages the condition could influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate seizure management strategies and establish a strong support network is more likely to extend their pet's life span. Like other dog breeds German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the chance of developing this condition. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and expand with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal in less than 30 minutes. If your Shepherd is showing symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or an overly large stomach, or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, rear end is up), you should take them to an emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds with bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative care. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't, a condition referred to as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some instances the cartilage between the bones may deteriorate, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition early. The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, mainly after exercise or when getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases and there could be fluid in the joint. There are three major 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 found in both elbows or one of them. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best way to prevent these problems. These conditions can still develop despite screening. The most effective approach is to only breed dogs whose parents have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM typically surface in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease while others don't. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Certain dogs can live for many months or years with a good quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose the option of euthanasia if their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own. Your vet will perform an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical record to determine DM. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutations that cause with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be collected to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists will likely suggest MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to identify the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. In addition physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are prone to health issues that could reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and the ways 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 does not stay in its proper place. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD is typically an autoimmune process, but an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. It may be accompanied by weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often unable to use their rear legs in any way. Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the rear legs.