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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their prime between the ages of 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. Their size makes them at a higher risk of developing cancer, muscle and joint issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan. German Shepherds in the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to help them meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can allow your dog to have a longer lifespan. Regular visits to the vet, proper diet and regular 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 typically 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 located close to the base of the brain. In about 15% of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. When a pet has Cushing's disease, it becomes more active and eats more than usual. Cushing's also causes an increase in thirst and urination. As a result, the pet has to drink more water and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the illness. A veterinarian can diagnose the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring the adrenal response. The results will show the degree to which his cortisol levels are. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it is required to take medication for the duration of his life. This medication will slow the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, the majority of dogs with this condition can be able to live normal lives. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and identified in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is properly treated and diagnosed can live a long and healthy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause dogs to die from oxygen deprivation or a traumatic injury. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or the inability to eat and drink. How a pet's owner manages the condition can have an impact on the impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds. An owner who can closely monitor the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies for managing seizures and establish a solid support network is more likely to prolong their pet's life span. As with deutsche schäferhundwelpen of dog, German Shepherds can suffer from dental disease. If not treated, this condition could cause irreparable damage to the gums and teeth and even cause infections in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed make them more susceptible to bloating. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly this condition can become fatal in just 30 minutes. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, for example vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up), take your pet to the emergency vet right away. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. 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) as well as the radius and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit perfectly to allow to allow for continuous movement. When they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia can develop. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some instances, the cartilage that lies between the bones can erode, causing pain, swelling and numbness. The damage is not reverseable and it is therefore crucial to recognize and treat the condition at an early stage. The earliest signs of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially after exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow 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 the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions can be seen on one or both elbows. Currently, the best way to avoid this issue is to test breeding animals for elbow and hip problems. But, despite screenings these conditions can still happen. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, a neurological disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a variant of Degenerative Myelopathy. The signs of DM typically surface in older dogs and eventually become paralyzed. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's Disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is unclear the reason why some dogs suffering from this condition develop it, while others don't despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there's no cure for DM. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, however the disease is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs as well. Some dogs can endure for months or years with a good quality of life. However, it is common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own. To diagnose DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist will look for other diseases that have similar symptoms, and asks for blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to rule out other diseases. The neurologist will likely recommend MRI imaging using our sophisticated diagnostic imaging services. This will enable your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor progression of the disease over time. Additionally physical rehabilitation therapy is often beneficial for DM patients and can aid in slowing the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds are at risk of certain health issues that could alter their life expectancy. Understanding these conditions and the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outer or inner of the spinal disk “donut” doesn't stay where it is. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs the impact. If the nucleus becomes herniated, it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition, but sudden trauma could cause herniation. Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden herniation of the spinal canal of disc's nucleus. This can cause intense back pain, arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. This condition can also lead to the inability to walk, incontinence and weakness. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, your dog will be completely disabled. They might not be able to use their rear legs. The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and generally occurs in older dogs. 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. This type of IVDD is not triggered either by trauma or vigorous exercise, which is not the case for Type I. Signs include reluctance to turn the head or back, an arched back and a walk that seems weak or wobbly on the back legs.