When buying or adopting a German Shepherd, or any pet for this matter, it is crucial to find out which health issues are common to the breed. Additionally, proper care of such conditions should also be considered and taken. We highly recommend that you consider getting health insurance for your GSD. The costs are not as extreme as you may think and it could save you a fortune should you encounter one of these common health problems in your pup's future. (See our article of the highest rated pet health insurance plans we could find).
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent health issues that many German Shepherds suffer from. Other large breeds of dogs are also susceptible to such illness. But it is more common to GSD's as it affects 15-20 percent of the whole population. Hip dysplasia is a painful, genetic disorder characterized by malformation of the hip joint, which causes instability and may lead to osteoarthritis.
Symptoms:
Bunny hopping gait
Instability in walking
Reduced range of motion
Lethargy
Problems in moving
Pain
Fatigue
Feebleness of hind legs
These symptoms could further develop if the GSD is obese, injured, or overly exercised. If you notice such abnormalities in their movement, visit your veterinarian. If the condition is already severe, the vet will likely advise your GSD to undergo treatments. These include double pelvic or femoral head osteotomy or total hip replacement. To prevent worsening the condition, allow your GSD to have adequate rest, a healthy diet, and physical therapy.
2. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the GSD's pancreas experiences inflammation. In a body of a healthy German shepherd, the pancreas regularly releases enzymes that aid in digestion. However, with those having pancreatitis, there is an abnormality in the activation of those enzymes. The direct cause of this illness is still uncertain. But it is known that obesity and eating fatty foods could aggravate the condition.
Symptoms:
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Fever
Dehydration
Acute cases of pancreatitis can be treated by giving your GSD enough rest and a low-fat diet. If the physician can determine what is causing the inflammation in the pancreas, you should avoid such triggers. If the symptoms persist more seriously, hospitalization will be needed. Your GSD will be given pain relievers through injection and IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
3. Anal Furunculosis
Anal furunculosis is also called a perianal fistula. This is an unpleasant and chronic disorder that affects the skin around the anus. It is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the area surrounding the GSD's anus. The swelling and draining openings can strain the dog's defecation. It affects middle-aged or old aged German Shepherds.
Symptoms:
Blood in stool
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Excessive licking of the rectal region
Foul odor in dog's bedding
Ulcers in the anal region
Discomfort in sitting
Anal furunculosis is principally treated through surgery. But nowadays, immunomodulating drugs are being introduced as a cure. However, the topical medication is more useful in milder cases. Proper hygiene and healthy dietary measures will help reduce the severity of this ailment.
4. Degenerative Myelopathy
This progressive neurologic disorder affects middle-aged to older German Shepherds. It is a genetic disorder that causes degeneration of a canine's spinal cord, leading to rear limb weakness. If not treated, it may result in paralysis.
Symptoms:
Ataxia (loss of coordination in rear limbs)
Wobbly walking
Weakened hind limbs
Difficulty in standing
Paralysis
Unfortunately, there is still no effective cure to stop or even slow down the progress of this sickness. Since it is hereditary, the only way to prevent it is to ensure that the parents carry normal genes. Before adopting or buying a GSD, ask the breeder for the SOD-1 gene mutation testing. You should also get informed on how to care for GSDs with this kind of condition.
5. Urinary Tract Infection
Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering your GSD's genitals. Escherichia coli is the most common bacteria that can cause such a health concern in dogs. These bacteria colonize the urinary tract, resulting in an infection. Female German Shepherds are more susceptible to this disease compared to males.
Symptoms:
Bloody or cloudy urine
Changes in color or smell of urine
Discomfort in urinating
Involuntary urination
Fever
Licking of the urinary opening
Sensitivity in the genital area
If left untreated, the condition could inflict further health issues, such as bladder stones, kidney failure, and urinary tract dysfunctions. Prescribed antibiotics can help address the ailment. Also, ensure that your German Shepherd has a boosted immune system to prevent infections from affecting your pup.
6. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is a hereditary optical health issue. It attacks the photoreceptor cells at the back of the eye. The rod cells in the retina will tend to deteriorate, resulting in visual impairment. This is one of the eye ailments mostly found in German Shepherds.
Symptoms:
A progressive loss of night vision
Vision degeneration
Cloudy eyes
Dilated pupils
Change in the color of the pigment of the eyes
The progress of PRA, if diagnosed early, can be slowed down by daily antioxidant supplementation. Most dogs whose symptoms were not addressed at the right time turn blind just a year after onset. Further researches for the treatment of this genetic disease is ongoing.
7. Osteoarthritis
Though hip dysplasia is a more prevalent cause of osteoarthritis, the skeletal disease can also be caused by injury or normal wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of canine arthritis. It is a degenerative joint inflammation that occurs due to cartilage damage or breakdown.
Symptoms:
Stiffness
Lameness
Difficulty in standing
Noticeable decrease in movement
Painful joints
To ease the pain that your pup is feeling, you may hire a canine massage therapist for your GSD pet. Or you may also learn and do it yourself. Take your GSD out for a walk or a moderate exercise to avoid obesity. Talk to your veterinarian for advised supplements or medications. Treatments for osteoarthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help relieve the pain and inflammation. For severe cases, surgery and joint replacement might be needed.
8. Epilepsy
Many German Shepherd owners have discovered that their pets are experiencing this seizure disorder. Epilepsy is an inherited, incurable condition characterized by recurrent seizures.
Symptoms:
Sudden and violent shaking
Disorientation after seizure
Salivating during seizure
Loss of consciousness
Muscle twitching
Staring
Medications depend on the observed behavior of the GSD during the attacks. You should describe the happening in detail to the vet. Also, ensure that your GSD is in a safe place during the seizure episode.
9. Hemophilia
Hemophilia is the condition wherein the blood is incapable of clotting properly. Because of this, a small wound can turn severe and take a long while to heal.
Symptoms:
Skin hematoma
The sudden death of newborn puppies
Intermittent bleeding
Nose bleeds
Discoloration of skin
The primary method of treating hemophilia is by intravenous plasma transfusions that are often given to more chronic cases. Supplements that contain blood clotting nutrients and ingredients are also available.
10. Diabetes
Since they have a considerably large body build, GSDs tend to eat a lot. This makes them vulnerable to diabetes. This health concern can also be acquired genetically.
Symptoms:
Fatigue
Excessive drinking
Excessive urinating
Dry mouth
Weight loss
For chronic diabetes, your GSD requires regular insulin shots, the frequency of which depends on the severity of the condition. At home, a selective diet and moderate exercise are also helpful.
11. Cancer
German Shepherds are one of the breeds that is most prone to cancer, including melanoma, lymphoma, and bone and blood vessel tumors. The symptoms of cancer can vary widely according to type. To secure your GSD's overall health, take him/her to regular checkups with your veterinarian.
Final Word
To answer the question "What are the most common health issues with German Shepherds?" The direct response would be: hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, anal furunculosis, Degenerative Myelopathy, Urinary Tract Infection, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Osteoarthritis, Epilepsy, Hemophilia, Diabetes, and Cancer.
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