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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. They are at a higher risk for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, cancer, and other health conditions which could affect their lives. German Shepherds in the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to support their active lifestyle and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds may suffer from numerous health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. 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 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. A tumor on the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most common reason for the condition. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor occurs on the pituitary, which is a tiny organ located close to the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the instances the tumor is situated on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets be more active and consume more food than normal. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urine production. This means that the pet has to drink more water, and go outside for frequent breaks to urinate. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the illness. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results show how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, he will need medication for the rest of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs with this condition can live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if not treated and diagnosed early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may live to a healthy age and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die due to oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat or drink. How the owner manages the condition can influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop seizure management techniques and also create a strong network of support, will be more likely to prolong their pet's life. As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental problems. If not treated, this condition may cause serious damage to the gums and teeth and may lead to infections in other organs, like kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the risk of this problem. Shepherds are at a more bloat-prone risk than other breeds thanks to their narrow, deep chests. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs if the intestines twist inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal in just half an hour. If your Shepherd exhibits symptoms of bloat like the retching, heaving, an overly large stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is essential to be on top of your dog's veterinary care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is an integral part of the humerus, (the long bone of the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to be perfectly aligned for a lifetime of movement. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia is created. It is the most common reason why dogs are weak in their front legs. In certain instances of the disease the cartilage between bones begins to degrade, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to recognize and treat the condition as early as possible. The first signs of the disease in dogs are a mild limp or an intermittent one, particularly during exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There could also be fluid in the joint. There are three types 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 seen either on the elbows of both elbows. Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is the best option to avoid these issues. The disease can still be present despite screenings. The most effective method is to only breed dogs that come from parents who have been proven to have healthy elbows. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that gradually affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. DM symptoms usually manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this disease, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the disease is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs are able to endure for months or years with a high standard of life, however it is common for owners to opt for to kill their dog when it becomes in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. Your veterinarian will conduct an examination for neurological disorders and will create an extensive medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist checks for other diseases that have similar symptoms and will request blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause with this condition. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to enable analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging services. This will allow your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also 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 affect their life expectancy. Knowing about these conditions and how they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative measures that support their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc does not stay in its proper place. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is ascribed with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. visit the next site results in intense back pain and back arching and lower back, weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often unable to use their rear legs at all. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to expand with fluid. This leads to compression and herniation of spine. This type of IVDD is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a lack of interest or inability to turn the head.