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While not all GSDs will have health
problems, there are particular types of diseases that are more common in GSDs
than in other breeds. While not solely in the shepherd, listed below
are some of the diseases
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune-based, progressive neurological disease affecting the spinal cord. It appears with relative frequency only in the German Shepherd Dog; therefore, a hereditary factor is likely but not yet proven. A general reduction in mobility starting in the rear of the dog is noted. DM is the apparent canine equivalent of Multiple Sclerosis in humans. It is usually associated with dogs over the age of 7. Minimal available treatments are supportive only. More information on DM: Degenerative Myelopathy of German Shepherd, R.M. Clemmons DVM PhD Degenerative Myelopathy, University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Epilepsy Not all causes of convulsions or seizures are hereditary. However many affected dogs are thought to be genetically predisposed. Treatment's success is depending on the cause. Maintenance treatment can consist of scheduled Phenobarbital (relatively inexpensive) and occasional blood testing.
Gastric
Dilatation Volvulous (aka Torsion or Bloat) Bloat occurs when air, food, and fluids build in a dog's digestive tract. and the dog is unable to expel the gases. Often times, the stomach "twists" further complicating the situation. Once the stomach has twisted, both the entrance to the stomach (esophagus) and the exit (pylorus) shut down. With a decreased blood flow, toxins build rapidly destroying the stomach tissue. If enough pressure builds, the stomach can rupture, resulting in an infection of the abdomen or the twisted off parts of the stomach stop getting blood supply and it dies creating severe infection. The twisting also compresses a major vein that carries blood back to the heart. Other organs may also be compromised.
Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia This is a condition not exclusive to GSD's; it is found in many medium to giant sized breeds. In fact, the prevalence in GSDs has been declining over recent years according to the OFA. Dysplasia is largely caused by genetic predisposition, thought possibly to be affected by environmental factors (care & feeding) during a pup's development. Hip and or elbow dysplasia can be crippling, cause minor occasional abnormal gait, lameness, or produce no symptoms whatsoever depending on the severity. Hips do not form a normal "ball and socket" joint, and the resulting lack of correct cartilage formation and wear may create osteo-arthritic changes sometimes requiring medication or joint surgery depending on the case. Elbow dysplasia or "ununited anconeal process" is a condition which results from a fragment of bone that does not fuse as it should during the dog's development. Intermittent lameness can occur and surgery is sometimes required. X-rays of dog's hips and elbows are rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for the purposes of evaluating suitability for breeding. Passing dogs are given a rating and certified by the OFA.
Panosteitis "Pano" is a developmental/growth condition of the long bone(s). It is not exclusive to GSD's and is found in large or giant breed dogs usually between 5 and 14 months of age. It can cause complete or partial lameness in any leg(s) for a number of days or weeks and then will sometimes appear in a different limb or recur after apparent recovery. Hence the common name for Pano: "wandering lameness." Diagnosis should be confirmed by an x-ray, and treatment overseen by a veterinarian. The vast majority of dogs affected make a full recovery with minimal extra care in a short time. Basically, they out grown it.
Pancreatic Enzyme Insufficiency - Malabsorption This condition is apparently exclusive to GSD's. It is a non-curable but treatable disorder of the gastrointestinal tract often, but not always, accompanied by diarrhea and severe weight loss. It is diagnosed by blood test. The dog's pancreas does not produce the digestive enzymes required for the dog to absorb nutrition from normal dog foods. Prescribed digestive enzymes must supplement a specific diet at each meal throughout the dog's lifetime in order to maintain adequate weight and condition. The condition can be accompanied by a bacterial overgrowth requiring ongoing antibiotic treatment. Maintenance care is expensive and expected lifespan can be affected. More Information: http://vetinfo.com/dpancrea.html
Pannus (aka German Shepherd Dog Keratitis, or Keratitis Ueberreiter) Pannus is a form of corneal inflammation that affects both eyes and occasionally can result in blindness. It is characterized by a pink membrane growing across the cornea. It appears primarily in GSD's and GSD crosses over the age of two. Steroids or surgery may be prescribed to treat the disease; it is something that can be controlled in most cases but it cannot be cured.
Perianal Fistulas (PF) Fistulas are
open draining tracts and sores in the perianal skin. They first appear as
one or more "pinholes" in the skin surrounding the anus, with some exudate
from the holes. The condition is most common in German Shepherds, but is
by no means limited to that breed. Although the causes of the disease are
still unknown, the current understanding is that it is probably an
autoimmune disorder, much like Crohn's disease in humans. Treatments have
changed /progressed greatly in the last two to three years. Currently, the
most common treatments are medical regimes, using Imuran/flagyl, or
cyclosporin, or topical tacrolimus. The website devoted to PF, which
contains readable/printable veterinary journal articles
More Information:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) are among the most common eye problems in German Shepherd Dogs. These conditions usually begin to display symptoms at about 2 years of age. They are progressive in their degeneration. Both conditions are hereditary. Both parents should have CERF certification proof, when looking to purchase a pup.
Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Skin Allergies Allergies in pets, are one of the most common causes of skin conditions. Allergies can be difficult to control and are chronic in nature. There are 3 main types of allergies in relation to skin conditions. It is possible for a pet to have a combination of all 3 allergy types: 1. Food Allergy; 2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD); 3. Atopy, or Allergic Inhaled Dermatitis. More Information: http://www.lbah.com/allergy.htm
Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) (aka Lupus) Lupus is the
classic example of a multi-systemic autoimmune disease. Often called the
"great imitator, lupus can mimic nearly any other disease state. The signs
of SLE may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic and are usually cyclic. A
fluctuating fever that does not respond to antibiotics is one of the
hallmark signs, as is a stiff gait or shifting lameness. Other signs may
include a hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia, leucopenia (a low white
blood count), or a symmetrical dermatitis, especially over the bridge of
the nose ("butterfly lesion,"). More Information on Canine Lupus: http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/immune%20disorders/lupus%20erythematosus.htm http://www.vetinfo.com/dimmune.html
Thyroid Disorders Thyroid disorders are found occasionally in the German Shepherd Dog. Most are highly manageable and the treatment is not expensive, though lifelong. Hypothyroidism can cause the coat to become thin, coarse, and brittle. The dog may become lethargic, very quickly obese and dull. A dog with mild deficiency may show little or no outward sign of it. Diagnosis is by blood test. Dogs with poor thyroid function should not reproduce, as this disorder is genetically linked and perpetuated. Untreated thyroid disorder is associated with several health problems.
Von Willebrand's Disease This is the most common hereditary bleeding disorder in dogs. The bleeding is caused by a deficiency of a plasma protein that is critical for normal platelet function in the early stages of clotting. Diagnosis is by blood test. GSD's should be screened for this disorder prior to breeding. You can also try this site - http://www.allgsd.com/ - For help in learning more about GSDs Like all dogs, GSDs and GSD mixes have certain medical needs. We sincerely hope that none of our dogs will develop any of these diseases or problems but we feel we must all be aware of them in order to help our dogs live the most pain free, happy, healthy lifestyles possible. Knowledge and smart management will hopefully do you and your dog good.
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Common
Health Problems with German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs)
that seem to be more prevalent in the German Shepherd than in other
breeds. They are just some of things you should be aware of and know
certain symptoms of if you hope to own a GSD. In addition, most of
these disorders are believed to be genetic in some way which means that
GSD mixes (not just purebred GSDs) would be more prone to them than other
breeds as well so owners of purebred GSDs as well as GSD mixes should be
aware of them.
detailing
studies of these treatments, including treatment dosages, and which has
success stories and a list/support group, is
