7 Health Problems Common to German Shepherds

Nov 1, 2017

Before you get a German Shepherd you should familiarize yourself with not

only the temperament, personality, and care requirements of the breed, but also

their health problems.

 

Once you are familiar with them, it will be easier to choose a reputable breeder

or to adopt a dog with your eyes wide open to the possible health problems your

German Shepherds may one day face.

 

 

Hip Dysplasia

 

 One health condition that German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia. While

this inherited disease is not breed-specific to German Shepherds, it is one of the

more popular ailments affecting the breed.  Hip dysplasia can range from mild to

severe. By learning more about this condition, new dog owners can help prevent

it from getting worse.

 

 

Degenerative Myelopathy:

 

Degenerative Myelopathy or (DM) is also referred to as Chronic Degenerative

RadiculoMylopathy (CDRM).  DM is believed to be a neurological autoimmune

disease that gravely impacts the myelin sheathing that insulates nerve fibers

and the axons that carry signals from the nerves to the muscles.  There is no

treatment for the disease, which as it progresses, eventually causes paralysis in

the back and front limbs and leads to death.

 

 

Anal Furunculosis:

 

Anal Furunculosis, or the development of Perianal Fistuals, is a condition that

causes severe, deep penetrating lesions around the anus of the dog. These

lesions are chronic, often resulting in persistent ulcers.  It is believed that they

result from inflamed sebaceous glands, which become infected with bacteria in

the warm environment under the tail.

 

 

Pancreatic Insufficiency:

 

Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) has become more common in German Shepherds

and is usually first noticed when the dog suddenly begins losing copious

amounts of weight despite excessive hunger.  Dogs suffering from EPI are

unable to digest food properly and pancreatic enzymes supplemented in food

will be required for the rest of the dog’s life.

 

 

Bloat or Gastric Torsion:

 

Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a condition seen in German Shepherds, as well as

other large, deep chested dogs.  Bloat is a true life threatening emergency that

requires emergency intervention or the dog will die.  It is caused by a build up

gas in the dog’s stomach which cuts off circulation and immediately begins

killing tissues. All large dog owners should know the signs and symptoms of

bloat.

 

 

Haemophilia A:

 

Haemophilia A is a bleeding disorder that can affect German Shepherd Dogs,

which causes severe bleeding at the slightest trauma.  Male dogs are affected

by the disease, however, females can be carriers.  In some cases, there can be

no family history of the disease.

 

 

Epilepsy:

 

Epilepsy or seizure disorders can affect German Shepherds, as well as other

breeds.  It is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. Epilepsy

can be caused by various diseases but in idiopathic epilepsy (IE) no underlying

disease of the brain or body can be found to account for the repeated seizure

activity.  Males are more prone to seizures than female German Shepherd

Dogs.

 

Thank you for reading and we hope you learned something from this article. As

always, please leave a like and share this article to help inform others.

You might also like: 13 Ways to Keep Your German Shepherd Healthy And Happy