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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds peak between the ages 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 musculoskeletal issues, and other health conditions that can impact lifespan. German Shepherds in the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They need a diet rich in nutrients to support their high levels of activity and exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and Cushing's disease. Understanding these conditions and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the most important factors 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 typically caused by a tumor that has formed on the pituitary gland or one of the adrenal glands. In about 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. In around 15 percent of cases the tumor is located on one of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. If a pet suffers from Cushing's, it becomes more active and eats more frequently than usual. Cushing's can also trigger more thirst and increased urination. This means that the pet has to drink more water and also go outside for toilet breaks more often. Other symptoms of the condition include hair loss, a bloated appearance and lethargy. A veterinarian can diagnose the disorder by drawing blood and performing an adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and then measuring their adrenal response. The results indicate how high or low his cortisol levels are. If a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will require medication for the duration of his life. The medication will manage his symptoms and slow down the growth of the cancer. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition will be able to live normal lives. However, the condition may be fatal if it is not detected and treated in the early stages. Epilepsy German Shepherds that are properly diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and enjoy a happy life. However, a dog who has seizures that are uncontrolled could die due to oxygen starvation or injury during a seizure. Untreated epilepsy may also cause depression, or the inability to eat and drink. The impact of epilepsy on German Shepherds could be affected by the way in which the condition is controlled by the owner. Owners who are able to be vigilant about their dog's medication and develop methods to manage seizures and also establish an extensive network of support will be more likely to extend the pet's lifespan. Like most breeds of dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to suffering from dental disease. If not treated, this condition can cause severe damage to teeth and gums, and could cause infections in other parts of the body, like the liver, kidneys, and heart. Regular dental care for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition. The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly when the intestines are twisted, filling with gas and cutting off the blood flow to the stomach or spleen. The condition can cause death in less than 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd is showing signs of bloat such as the retching, heaving, an enlarged stomach or is in a praying position (front feet are down, the rear is up), you should bring them to an emergency vet as soon as you notice. German Shepherds who suffer from bloat have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. It is important to stay on top of your dog's veterinarian care and preventative measures. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge between the humerus, (the long bone in the upper forelimb), and the radius and ulna, (the two bones of the lower forelimb). The three bones must fit together in a perfect way to withstand an entire lifetime of motion. If they don't fit together perfectly, elbow dysplasia occurs. It's the most frequent cause of lameness in the front legs (limping) in dogs. In some cases the cartilage between the bones may be damaged which can cause pain, swelling and numbness. This damage cannot be reversed, so it is important to diagnose and treat the condition as early as possible. The first signs of the condition in dogs are a mild limp or intermittent one, especially after exercise or upon getting up from a sitting position. As Related Home Page progresses, a dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases. There may be fluid in the joint. There are three kinds of elbow dysplasia. They are the Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be found in both elbows or one of them. Presently, the best method to prevent this issue is to screen breeding animals for elbow and hip issues. These diseases can still occur despite screening. Breeding only dogs whose elbows have been proven to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will prevent the genes for elbow dysplasia being passed onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an autoimmune disorder that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness of the hind legs, is a form of Degenerative Myelopathy. The symptoms of DM typically surface in older dogs and eventually progress to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It isn't known the reason why some dogs suffering from this disease get it, and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. Symptoms may be managed with medication, but the condition is progressive and eventually causes paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Certain dogs can endure for months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it is common for owners to opt for euthanasia when their dog is incapable of standing or walking on its own. To determine if you have DM, your vet will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a neurological examination. The neurologist checks for other diseases with similar clinical signs, and will request blood samples to test the genetic mutation that causes with the disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be obtained to allow for analysis and the exclusion of other diseases. The neurologist may recommend MRI imaging using our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will allow your vet to determine 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 help slow the progression of the condition. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health problems that can reduce their life expectancy. Knowing these conditions and how they affect your dog will aid you in taking preventative measures to help ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the “doughnut” of the spinal disc does not remain in its correct position. Each disk is surrounded by an outer fibrous ring called an annulus, and an annulus with a soft nucleus that absorbs the impact. When herniated, the softer nucleus could hit the spinal cord with tremendous force, causing severe pain, weakness or even paralysis. IVDD is usually 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. This results in severe back pain, arching of the back and weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also cause weakness, incontinence and incoordination. If the spinal cord becomes compressed and dies, then your dog will be totally disabled. They might not even be able to walk on their rear legs. The onset of type II IVDD is more gradual and usually occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes the annulus fibers to swell with fluid. This leads to herniation and compression of the spine. Unlike Type I IVDD, this form is not triggered by trauma or intense exercise. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the rear leg.