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Ten German Shepherd Life Expectancy Myths You Should Never Share On Twitter
Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The German Shepherd is at its peak in terms of physical and mental ability.

Their large size puts them at a greater chance of developing cancer, musculoskeletal issues, and other health issues that could impact lifespan.

German Shepherds of the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to meet their high activity levels and workout demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Knowing these issues and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. Regular veterinary checks, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys 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 typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or on one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 90% of cases, the tumor is located on the pituitary gland, a tiny organ 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.

If a pet suffers from Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's can also trigger increased thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and also go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Other signs of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy.

A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results indicate the level of high or low cortisol levels are.

If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's, they will require medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs suffering from this disease are able to live normal lives when they are properly treated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and detected in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could live to a healthy age and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.

The effects of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be influenced by the way the condition is handled by the owner. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, create appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support network is more likely to extend the life span of their pet.

Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious damage to the teeth and gums, and could result in infection in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental care are less susceptible to this condition.

The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and become filled with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and spleen. This condition could be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not addressed promptly. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching with no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up) Take them to an emergency vet right away.

German Shepherds that experience bloat are at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatments.

Elbow Dysplasia

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) along with the radius and the ulna (the two bones that form the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't match perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It is the most common reason for dogs to be disabled in their front legs.

In some instances the cartilage between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and numbness. The damage is irreparable, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition early.

Related Home Page of the disease in a dog are a slight or intermittent limp, particularly after exercise or after getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint.

There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Processing (UAP). Each of these conditions can be observed on one or both elbows.

Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. But, despite screenings these diseases can still occur. The most effective method is to only breed dogs whose parents have been shown to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from being passed on to offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy


Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). It isn't known why some dogs with this disease get it, and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be managed through medication, however the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life, but it is common for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are incapable of standing or walking on their own.

To determine if you have DM the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform an examination of the brain. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample will also be taken to enable analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may 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 progression of the disease. In addition, physical rehabilitation therapy is frequently beneficial for DM patients and can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are prone to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the "doughnut" of the spinal disc fails to stay in its proper place. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus. It also has a soft nucleus which absorbs impacts. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks.

Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal and results in severe back pain and back arching and weakness in the rear limbs, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal chord is compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed. They may not even be able to walk on their rear legs.

Type II IVDD typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or heavy exercise, which is not the case for Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head and an arched back and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.