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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their peak between 2 and 6. The German Shepherd is at its peak in regards to physical and mental sharpness. Their large size makes them at a higher chance of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that may have a negative impact on their lives. Working line German Shepherds usually have a more active lifestyle than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and exercise demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions that include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and Cushing's disease. Understanding these ailments and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can allow your dog to live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and regular exercise are the key to a healthy and happy large breed. 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 85percent of cases the tumor is located on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the brain's base. In approximately 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 consume more food than normal. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet has to drink more fluids and be outside more often for potty breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the condition. 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 analyzing the adrenal response. The results show how high or low the patient's cortisol level is. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the duration of his life. deutsche schäferhundwelpen will slow the growth of the tumor and keep the symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and treated, most dogs suffering from this condition have normal lives. However, the condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can remain healthy and enjoy a happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to suffer from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy can also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink. How the owner manages the situation can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. Owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication and devise strategies to manage seizures and build a strong network of support are more likely to prolong the pet's life. As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental diseases. If not treated, this condition may cause severe damage to gums and teeth, and even lead to infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, the liver and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, because of their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines twist and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. If not treated promptly, this condition can be deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat such as retching, heaving, or an overly full stomach or is in a prayer position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should go to an emergency vet right away. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatment. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that make up the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of motion. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate which can cause pain, swelling and lameness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to identify and treat the condition as early as possible. The first signs of the disease in dogs are a slight limp or a sporadic one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances the dog's elbow's range of motion decreases. There could 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 is distinct in its appearance on xrays and could be found in one or both elbows. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these problems. The disease can still be present despite screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective method. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing 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 type of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs, and then progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). It is unclear what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not despite having a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed by medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs too. Some dogs can live for months or years with a good quality of life, however it is not uncommon for owners to elect to end the life of their pet when they are in a position where they are unable to walk or stand on their own. To determine if you have DM to diagnose it, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination of the neurological system. The neurologist checks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms and asks for blood samples to determine the genetic mutation associated this disease. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may also be collected to permit analysis and exclude other diseases. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine areas of the spine that are affected with DM and monitor the progression of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and slow down the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can affect their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” doesn't stay where it belongs. Each disk is made of a fibrous outer ring called an annulus fibrosus, and an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible which absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I IVDD is characterised by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe back pain, 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 chord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will be totally crippled. They might not even be able to use their rear legs. Type II IVDD usually occurs in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal “wear and tear” that causes the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation and compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that appears weak or wobbly on the back legs.