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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that may affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their high activity levels and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and regular 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. A tumor on the adrenal glands or pituitary glands is the most common reason for the condition. In 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a small organ that is located close to the base of the brain. In approximately 15% of cases, the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and consume more food than normal. Cushing's may also cause more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water and take toilet breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the condition. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results will show how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease he needs medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the tumor. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink. How the owner manages the situation can affect the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan. Like other breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this issue could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infections in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular dental care are less susceptible to this condition. Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the stomach or 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, like vomiting or retching with little or no food coming in or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and back end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds who experience 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 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 have to fit perfectly to endure the rigors of daily movement. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the leading cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs. In some cases of the disease, the cartilage between the bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain and lameness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated 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 kinds of elbow dysplasia. These include the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (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 screen breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. These conditions can still develop even after screening. The most effective method is to breed only with dogs whose parents have been proven to have good elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto 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. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is considered to be the canine version of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed through medication, however the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs will continue to live for months or years with a high quality of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to opt for to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own. To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination of the brain. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation associated with this disorder. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to allow for analysis and to exclude other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. 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 certain health issues that could impact their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures that supports their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk “donut” isn't remain where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impacts. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disorder however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation. Type I IVDD is defined by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This causes intense back pain, 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 become completely disabled. They may not even be able to use their rear legs. The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of the spine. In contrast to Type I IVDD, this type isn't triggered by trauma or exercise. Signs include reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.