Common German Sheperd Dog Illnesses

Friday, July 5, 2013

Common German Sheperd Dog Illnesses

German Shepherd dogs are at risk for a number of diseases.

Responsible German Shepherd breeders work toward breeding the healthiest of their dogs that meet the standards set by groups like the American Kennel Club. Despite the best efforts of breeders and owners, many serious degenerative and hereditary disorders continue to be passed through the bloodlines. To stabilize the health of this intelligent breed, all German Shepherd owners should screen for hereditary problems their dog might have, before deciding to breed another generation.

Osteosarcoma

German Shepherds are frequently affected by bone cancers, including osteosarcoma. This disease begins as a tumor on the inside of a bone, usually a limb. The tumor grows outward until the bone is destroyed, causing increasingly intense pain. Signs include limping, reluctance to exercise and increased panting and irritability. Treatment must occur rapidly to slow down the cancer's growth. Amputation of the affected limb and chemotherapy is recommended. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive disease that will always recur elsewhere, often in the lungs. Even with chemotherapy, most dogs will not live beyond one year with this disease.

Lumbosacral Stenosis (Cauda Equina Syndrome)

Lumbrosacral Stenosis is a nerve injury, caused by arthritis in the joint between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum, one of the pelvic bones. The arthritis will create a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord and nerves. As pressure increases, it results in incontinence and oftentimes rear leg paralysis. Symptoms may appear over many months and present as pain while defecating or inability to lift the tail. Without treatment, legs will become weak and thin as the dog avoids using these muscles. Although strict rest may alleviate symptoms in less affected dogs, many cases will require surgery to ease the pain and provide a better prognosis.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

About 70 percent of German Shepherds lack a pancreatic enzyme that allows them to digest their food properly in the small intestine. This condition is known as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and results in extreme thirst, sudden weight loss and loose, yellow-colored stools. When a German Shepherd has EPI, he is not receiving nutrients available in his food, which can lead to life-threatening malnourishment without treatment. While the dog will have this condition for the remainder of his life, it can be easily managed with digestive enzymes and a bland diet.

Degenerative Myleopathy

German Shepherds are often at risk for degenerative myleopathy, a disease similar to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in humans, where the central nervous system is gradually destroyed. It occurs in middle-age dogs, and some dogs display signs such as tripping over their feet. Dogs become clumsier and weaker over time and eventually the brain stem will be affected. This disease is often misdiagnosed as hip displaysia. Experts suspect that this disease is caused by the immune system attacking the nerve fibers in the spinal cord of a dog's middle back. Like MS, there is no cure but it can be managed with physical therapy, a special diet and supplements including vitamins B and E.

10 good facts

Friday, July 5, 2013