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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are at their prime between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their large size puts them at a greater risk of developing cancer muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can affect their lifespan. Working line German Shepherds typically lead more active lifestyles than show line counterparts. They require a nutrient-rich diet to help them meet their active lifestyle and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the correct steps to prevent or treat them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition and daily exercise will 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 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, a small organ that is located close to the brain's base. In about 15% 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 will need to drink more water and frequent the outside for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and lethargy are other signs of the illness. A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results show how high or low his cortisol levels are. When a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, it is required to take medication for the rest his life. The medication will help control his symptoms and slow down the growth of the tumour. The majority of dogs suffering from this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition can be fatal, however, if it's not treated and identified in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds who are correctly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy may be healthy and live a long, happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog die due to oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also result in depression or the inability to eat and drink. How the owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A dog owner who is able to closely check the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan. As with other breeds of dog German Shepherds, too, suffer from dental disease. If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to gums and teeth and may lead to infections in other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and the heart. Regular dental care for dogs can lower the risk of this problem. Shepherds are at a much more bloat-prone risk than many other breeds, due to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist inwards, releasing gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. If not addressed immediately this condition can become deadly in as little as 30 minutes. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, for example crying or heaving, without food coming in, an enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and the rear end up) Take them to the emergency vet right away. German Shepherds who suffer from bloat are at a higher chance 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 treatment. 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 make up the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together perfectly to withstand the rigors of daily movement. When they don't, a condition called elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most common cause of lameness in front legs (limping) in dogs. In certain instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones may deteriorate and cause swelling, pain and numbness. The damage is irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first signs of this disease in dogs are the appearance of a slight limp or a sporadic one, particularly after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion in the elbow decreases. There may 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 can be found either on the elbows of both elbows. A thorough screening of the elbow and hip of breeding animals is currently the best option to avoid these problems. These diseases can still occur even after screening. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective method. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms typically manifest in older dogs and can progress to paralysis. The condition is regarded as the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral degeneration (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease and others don't. Unfortunately there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled through medication, however the condition is progressive and causes paralysis of the forelimbs. Certain dogs can live for many months or even years with good quality of life. However, it's common for owners to opt for euthanasia when their dog is in a position to walk or stand on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will check for other diseases that show similar symptoms and will request blood samples to test for the genetic mutation that is associated with this condition. The neurologist may also request cerebrospinal fluid samples to allow for analysis and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to identify areas of the spine that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease. Physical rehabilitation therapy may be beneficial for DM sufferers and can slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and the ways they affect your dog can aid you in taking preventative steps that supports their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it is. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus which absorbs impacts. When the nucleus is herniated it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. use this link is usually a degenerative process, although an accident that is sudden can cause herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden rupture of the disc's nucleus material into the spinal canal. It results in severe back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the rear limbs and hind-limb lameness. It may also be accompanied with incontinence, weakness, and incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will become completely disabled. They might not be able to move their rear legs. Type II IVDD is typically seen in dogs that are older. It's caused by normal “wear and tear” that leads to the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, then compression of the spinal cord. This form of IVDD isn't triggered either by trauma or heavy exercise, unlike Type I. It is characterized by a refusal to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.