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German Shepherd Health ProblemsCommon German Shepherd health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, bloat, epilepsy, and degenerative myelopathy.
Common German Shepherd Health Problems
Like all other breeds, German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health problems, some of a genetic nature, others viral.
Some of the more common German Shepherd health problems include:
German Shepherd Health Problems - Hip DysplasiaHip dysplasia afflicts many dogs and over 15% of German Shepherds have this condition. Hip dysplasia is generally considered to be inherited, but over-vaccination and obesity are also possible causes. The condition ranges from just a slight abnormality in the hip joint to the actual dislocation of the joint. Providing a natural diet, supplemented by chondroprotective medications (glucosamine and chondroitin) helps prevent and manage bone and joint problems. TopGerman Shepherd Health Problems - Elbow DysplasiaOsteochondritis of the elbow (elbow dysplasia) is a hereditary disease (but may also be caused by poor nutrition or injury), characterized by the elbow joints of the front legs being malformed, due probably to different growth rates of the three bones making up the elbow. Dogs with this condition usually display an obvious limp - they may hold the leg out from the body while walking, or even attempt to carry the front leg completely, putting no weight on it at all. Signs may be noted as early as four months of age. Elbow dysplasia is a lifelong problem, although some dogs can be helped with surgery which, in some cases, can eliminate the problem totally. TopGerman Shepherd Health Problems - BloatBloat, medically known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious and acute medical condition characterized by a rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach (gastric dilatation). In some cases, the distended stomach rotates on itself, resulting in a "twisted stomach" (volvulus), and the twisting can completely block entry of blood supply into the organ. Both conditions (dilatation and volvulus) are serious but volvulus is extremely critical and requires immediate medical attention. Big breeds with deep chests (such as the German Shepherd) are more susceptible to bloat. Symptoms include:
German Shepherd Health Problems - Perianal FistulasPerianal fistulas are chronic and progressive lesions that occur around the anus in dogs. German Shepherds are particularly prone to this disease (84% of the dogs diagnosed are German Shepherds). Perianal fistulas most commonly occur in middle-aged (5-8 years old) male dogs, but can occur in dogs as young as 1 year and as old as 14 years. The exact cause of this condition is unclear. It is believed that inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous glands in and around the anus causes infection. As a result, abscesses form, open, and then drain. Dogs with tails that set low and carried close to the body (e.g. German Shepherds) are prone to these fistulas because air does not circulate under the tail, making it an excellent environment for bacteria to multiply. Symptoms of this condition include constant chewing or licking of the perianal area, and scooting across the floor. Other symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, or bloodly stool. Ulcers and bleeding may be seen around the anal area, as well as foul-smelling discharge. TopGerman Shepherd Health Problems - EpilepsyEpilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is a disease which is rather prevalent in German Shepherds. It can be hereditary but it can also be caused by:
German Shepherd Health Problems - PanosteitisPanosteitis (also known as "long bone disease," or "pano") is a common condition which suddenly causes lameness in a growing puppy or young dog. The lameness is a result of excessive bone production on the long bones of the front and hind legs, causing inflammation. It is most commonly seen in dogs between the ages of five to 12 months. Pano is common in the German Shepherd. Usually a dog affected by this condition will grow out of the problem by 18 months old, but it is painful. Puppies on a high-protein diet are prone to pano, because this kind of diet makes the puppy grow too fast. TopGerman Shepherd Health Problems - Degenerative MyelopathyDegenerative Myelopathy (DM) is relatively frequent in the German Shepherd breed. The age at onset is 5 to 14 years. DM is an autoimmune disease in which the dog's own immune system attacks his central nervous system, leading to progressive neural tissue damage. Initially it affects the hind legs and causes muscle weakness and loss, and a loss of coordination in the hind limbs. The disease is chronic and progressive. As the disease progresses, the dog may also display symptoms such as incontinence, has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking, and eventual paralysis. The treatment of DM involves exercise, dietary supplementation, medication, and other supportive measures. TopGerman Shepherd Health Problems - von Willebrand's Diseasevon Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is a common inherited blood disorder, characterized by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII antigen. This disorder afflicts German Shepherds quite often. Dogs affected by this disease are more likely to have excessive bleeding episodes upon injury, and one main symptom of vWD is excessive bleeding. The dog may also develop nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestine. Sometimes some dogs may have blood in their urine.
References Dog Breed Facts - Hereditary Diseases (http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/articles/hereditary-diseases.html) PetEducation.com The Neurology Serice at Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Flordia (http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm) TOP of German Shepherd Health Problems |
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