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Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy German Shepherds are in their peak between 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 issues that could impact lifespan. German Shepherds of the working line typically lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a diet high in nutrients to sustain their high levels of activity and exercise. Cushing's Disease German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. Understanding these issues and taking the proper steps to prevent or treat them will allow your dog to live a longer life. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are the keys to maintaining good health for this large breed. 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 between 80% and 85% of cases, the tumor develops on the pituitary, which is a small organ located near the base of brain. In approximately 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 frequently than normal. Cushing's can also trigger an increase in thirst and urination. This means that the pet needs to drink more water, and go outside for potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and a lack of energy are also signs of the condition. A veterinarian can identify the condition by drawing blood and conducting an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test. This test involves injecting the patient with ACTH and measuring his adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the level of cortisol in the patient is. Once a dog is diagnosed with Cushing's disease it will require medication to remainder of his life. This medication will stop the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are properly monitored and medicated, most dogs suffering from this condition be able to live normal lives. The condition can be fatal if it's not treated and detected early. Epilepsy German Shepherds suffering from epilepsy who is treated and diagnosed correctly can live a long and healthy existence. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to suffer from oxygen deprivation or an injury. Untreated epilepsy can also cause depression or a failure to eat or drink, which could quickly be fatal. The impact of epilepsy in German Shepherds can be affected by the way in which the condition is handled by the owner. The owners who are able to closely monitor their dog's medication, and develop seizure management techniques, as well as create an effective network of support will be more likely to prolong the pet's lifespan. As with all breeds of dog, German Shepherds are prone to suffering from dental diseases. Untreated, this condition can cause serious dental and gum damage, and even cause infections in other organs like kidneys, the liver and the heart. Dogs that receive regular professional dental treatment are less susceptible to this problem. Shepherds are at a higher risk of bloat than many other breeds, thanks to their deep, narrow chests. This stomach condition is dangerous and can occur when the intestines turn and expand with gas, severing blood flow to the stomach and the spleen. The condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your Shepherd exhibits signs of bloat, such as vomiting or retching without food coming up or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer posture (front feet down and back end up), take them to the emergency vet immediately. German Shepherds who experience bloat are at greater chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog current with regular veterinary visits and preventative treatments. Elbow Dysplasia The elbow is a hinge joint between the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb) as well as the radius and ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they don't connect properly, elbow dysplasia develops. It's the most frequent reason dogs become weak in their front legs. In certain cases of the disease the cartilage between bones erodes and leads to pain, swelling and lameness. The damage is irreparable, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The first signs of the disease in dogs include a slight limp or intermittent one, especially during exercise or when getting up from a sitting position. As blaue schäferhunde progresses, the dog's range-of-motion in the elbow decreases, and there may be fluid in the joint. There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and can be seen in one or both elbows. Screening for elbows and hips of breeding animals is the best bet to prevent these issues. These diseases can still occur despite screenings. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been proven to be healthy is the most effective strategy. This will ensure that the genes for elbow dysplasia don't pass onto offspring. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy, an illness of the nervous system that affects German Shepherd dogs slowly and causes weakness in the hind legs, is a type of Degenerative Myelopathy. DM symptoms usually appear in older dogs, and eventually lead to paralysis. The condition is thought to be a canine form of Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral-sclerosis). It is not known what causes dogs with this disease develop it and others do not, despite being genetically predisposed. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated through medication, however the condition progresses and leads to paralysis in the forelimbs. Some dogs endure for months or even years with a high quality of life. However, it's common that owners choose to kill their pet if they are unable to walk or stand on its own. Your veterinarian will conduct an examination of the neurological system and create an accurate medical record to diagnose DM. The neurologist looks for other illnesses that show similar symptoms, and asks for blood samples to examine the genetic mutations that cause this disease. The neurologist will also collect a sample of cerebrospinal liquid to enable analysis and to rule out other illnesses. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify the regions 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 help to slow the progression of the disease. Intervertebral Disc Disease German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they affect your dog can assist you in taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is when the outside or inside of the spinal disk “donut” does not stay where it belongs. Each disk has a tough fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrousus, and a non-compressive nucleus pulposus inside that absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and paralysis. IVDD is usually a degenerative condition, however sudden trauma can lead to herniation in dogs with weak disks. Type I of IVDD is associated with the sudden herniation of the disc's nucleus into the spinal canal. It results in severe back pain and back arching, weakness in the limbs of the rear, and hind-limb lameness. This condition can also result in weakening, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies, your dog will become completely paralyzed, often not able to use their rear legs in any way. The onset of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. It's a result of normal “wear and tear” which results in the weak annulus fibers expanding with fluid, leading to herniation, and then compression of the spinal cord. This type of IVDD isn't triggered by trauma or intense exercise, unlike Type I. Signs include a reluctance or inability to turn the head.