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This Story Behind German Shepherd Life Expectancy Will Haunt You Forever!
Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy

German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their peak in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.

Their large size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, muscular and skeletal issues, as well as other health conditions that can affect their lifespan.

German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their activity levels and workout demands.

Cushing's Disease

German Shepherds can suffer from several health conditions including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking proper steps to prevent or manage them can allow your dog to live a longer and healthier life. 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 typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland, or one of the adrenal glands. In between 80% and 85percent of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized body located near the base of the brain. In approximately 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys.

Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and consume more food than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination, so the pet will need to drink more water and go outside more often to take a break from the toilet. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other symptoms of the disease.

A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and then executing the adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing the adrenal response. The results indicate the degree to which his cortisol levels are.

Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the remainder of his life. This medication will control his symptoms and slow the growth of the cancer. If they are monitored properly and medicated, most dogs with this condition can have normal lives. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt can be fatal when it isn't treated and detected in the early stages.

Epilepsy

German Shepherds with epilepsy that is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. However, a dog who suffers from seizures that are not controlled may die due to oxygen starvation or injury in seizures. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink.

The way the owner manages the condition could influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to extend their pet's life span.

Like other breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to suffering from dental problems. If left untreated, this condition could cause serious damage to gums and teeth and may cause infections in other organs like kidneys, the liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can reduce the chance of developing this condition.

The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloating. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines are twisted to fill with gas, cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or the spleen. This condition could be fatal in less than 30 minutes if it is not treated immediately. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an overly full stomach, or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up) It is recommended to take them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice.

German Shepherds with bloat are at a greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. 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 an articulation between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones need to fit perfectly to allow for a lifetime of movement. If they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It is the most common reason for dogs to be weak in their front legs.

In some cases, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.


The first signs of this disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, a dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There could be fluid in the joint.

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

Presently, the best method to prevent this problem is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. These conditions can still develop despite screenings. Breeding only with dogs whose elbows have been proven healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing onto 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 signs of DM generally manifest in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unknown why some affected dogs develop the disease whereas others do not.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition can progress and can cause paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own.

Your vet will perform an examination of the neurological system and create an extensive medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will look for other diseases with similar clinical signs and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. The neurologist will also obtain cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging through our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that could affect their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will help you take preventative action that supports their longevity.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outside or inside of the spinal disk "donut" doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has an outer fibrous ring called an annulus and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is typically a degenerative process, although sudden trauma can lead to 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. It results in intense back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally crippled. They may not even be able to move their rear legs.

The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. It's caused by normal "wear and tear" which results in the weakened annulus fibers swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form isn't caused by trauma or exercise. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.