7 Health Problems Common to German Shepherds
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
