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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds reach their peak between the ages of 2 and 6. They are at their best in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness. They are at greater risk for illnesses of the musculoskeletal system and other health conditions that could affect their lives. German Shepherds from the working line often live more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet rich in nutrients to meet their high activity levels and workout demands. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions 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 allow your dog to live longer. Regular visits to the vet, good 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 usually caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 90% of cases, the tumor is in the pituitary gland which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. About 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands that are located above the kidneys. Cushing's disease causes pets to be more active and eat more than usual. The condition can also cause increased thirst and urination, so the pet needs to drink more fluids and go outside more often for bathroom breaks. Hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and a lack of energy are other signs of the disease. A vet can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood and then performing the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results show the level of high or low cortisol levels are. Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, they will need medication for the remainder of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. Most dogs with this condition can live normal lives if they are properly medicated and monitored. The condition could be fatal, however, in the event that it isn't treated or detected in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy can be healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. However, a dog that suffers from uncontrolled seizures may be killed due to oxygen deficiency or a traumatic injury that occurs during the course of a seizure. Untreated epilepsy can also result in depression or an inability to eat or drink, which could rapidly lead to death. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds can be influenced by how the condition is handled by the owner. An owner who can closely keep track of the dog's medication, devise appropriate strategies to manage seizures and establish a strong support system is more likely to extend the life span of their pet. Like all breeds of dogs German Shepherds are also prone to suffering from dental disease. Left untreated, this problem can cause severe damage to the teeth and gums and may cause infection in other areas of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and the heart. Regular dental visits for dogs can lower the risk of this issue. The deep chests of the Shepherd breed make them more prone to bloat. This dangerous stomach disorder occurs when the intestines twitch and expand with gas, causing a cutoff in blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If not treated promptly More inspiring ideas could be deadly in as little as half an hour. If your Shepherd shows signs of bloat, like vomiting or retching with little or no food coming up or an overly large stomach, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up), take them to an emergency vet right away. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at a greater risk of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. It is important to keep up with your dog's veterinarian treatment and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones have to fit together in a perfect way to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most common cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some cases the cartilage between the bones may be damaged, causing pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is not irreparable and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first signs of this disease in dogs are a slight limp or an intermittent one, especially after exercise or when getting up from a seated position. As the disease advances, the dog's elbow range of motion decreases. There may also be fluid in the joint. There are three main kinds of elbow dysplasia: Fragmented Coronoid Process, Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Condyle, and Ununited Anconeal Process. Each of these conditions has a unique appearance on xrays and could be seen in one or both elbows. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. However, even with screenings, these diseases can still be present. The most effective approach is to breed only with dogs from parents that are found to have healthy elbows. This will ensure that the genes responsible for elbow dysplasia do not pass onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disease that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and eventually develop into paralysis. The condition is believed to be the canine equivalent of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). Although dogs are genetically predisposed to this disease, it is unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated by medication, but the disease progresses and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Certain dogs can endure for months or years with a high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct an examination for neurological disorders and will create an accurate medical history to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and requests blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause with the disease. The neurologist will also collect cerebrospinal fluid to allow for analysis, and to rule out other illnesses. The neurologists may suggest MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to pinpoint the regions of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can also 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 impact their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding the ways they impact your dog will assist you in taking preventative measures that will prolong their lives. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the outer or inner of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it belongs. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring that is known as an annulus, and a soft nucleus that absorbs impact. If it is ruptured, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing extreme pain, weakness, or paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative condition however, sudden trauma can trigger herniation. Type I IVDD is defined by a sudden rupture into the spinal canal that is located in the nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, weakness of the rear limbs, and lameness in the hind limbs. It can also be accompanied by incontinence, weakness, or incoordination. If the spinal chord becomes compressed and dies then your dog will become completely disabled. They might not be able to move their rear legs. Type II IVDD is typically seen in older dogs. It's a result of normal “wear and tear” which results in the annulus fibers that are weakening swelling with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't caused by trauma or intense exercise, which is not the case for Type I. It is evident by a reluctance or inability to turn the head.