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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between ages 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen mental toughness.

They are more at risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health conditions which can impact their lives.

Working line German Shepherds usually have more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet that is rich in nutrients to help them maintain their active lifestyles and exercise.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also prone to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can keep this large breed in good health.

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 one of the adrenal glands. In approximately 80% to 90% of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In around 15 percent 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 eat more than normal. The condition can also cause an increase in thirst and urination. This means that the pet has to drink more fluids, and also go outside for potty breaks more often. Other signs of the condition include loss of hair, a potbellied appearance and lethargy.

A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and analyzing the adrenal response. The results reveal 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. The medication will manage his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or diagnosed early enough.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can be healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog who suffers from uncontrolled seizures may die due to oxygen starvation or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could quickly turn fatal.

The effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. The owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop seizure management techniques and also build a strong network of support will be more likely to prolong their pet's life.

Like other dog breeds German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental problems. Untreated, this condition can cause severe damage to the gums and teeth and can cause infections in other organs such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs who receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this condition.

Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately the condition could be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd is showing symptoms of bloat like Heaving, retching, or deutscher schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen schwarz kaufen - redirect to Asterion, an enlarged stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up) You should go to an emergency vet immediately.

German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. This is why it's so important to keep your dog up to date with regular 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 ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together perfectly to allow for continuous movement. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason dogs become disabled in their front legs.

In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may be damaged and cause swelling, pain and numbness. This damage is not reversible and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

The earliest signs of the disease in dogs are a mild or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases, and there could 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 may be seen in one or both elbows.

The best method currently to prevent this problem is to test breeding animals for hip and elbow problems. The disease can still be present despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy is an illness of the nervous system that slowly affects the spinal cord of German king shepherd kaufen dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then become paralyzed. It is thought to be the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's not known why some dogs develop the disease and others don't.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs last for a number of months or even years with high quality of life. However, it is 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 a neurological exam and take an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation associated with this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to permit analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues that can impact their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk "donut" isn't remain where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs the impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus can hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness, or even paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease, but sudden trauma can cause herniation.

Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal that is located in the disc's nucleus. This causes intense pain in the back, arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also cause weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be completely paralyzed. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs.

The development of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weak annulus fibers swelling with fluid, which leads to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.