Top 10 Common Diseases in German Shepherds Every Owner Should Know

Signs and Symptoms of Common Diseases in German Shepherds 

This is one of the most preferred and well-adaptable and intelligent breeds all over the world known as the German Shepherd. Initially bred in Germany, these dogs are quite popular and are commonly used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as pets. Their general build for both sexes is muscular and this coupled with keen and alert looks makes them easily recognizable not to mention the fact that they are so much admired.

Since these dogs are extremely active and almost always eager to work, understanding the existing health problems within this breed is essential for the owners. It is vital to learn these diseases in order to guarantee that they can have a normal and healthy and happy life. Thus, knowing the most frequent diseases and health issues related to German Shepherds, the owners can focus on unavoidable measures of prevention, further detection, and proper therapy, which contributes to the improvement of the quality of life for their furry friends.

Hip Dysplasia

Dysplasia of the hip is an example of orthopedic diseases inheriting from the German Shepherds, a disease resulting from the formation of the structure of the hip joint. This malformation results to the ball and socket of the hip joint to be poorly matched, this makes the joint unstable and over time they wear out. Eventually they cause pain, inflammation and loss of joint movement.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds include:

• Limping or being unable to put full weight on one or both of the hind legs
• Standing up and particularly lying down.
• Refusal to go for a run, jump or be physically active especially go upstairs
• Hind limb rigidity especially after exercise or after a long rest.
• Stilted, high-stepping walk which becomes a sort of bunny hop when the animal runs.

Causes

The primary causes of hip dysplasia are:

• Genetic Factors: The condition is hereditary, and its genetic background can be traced back to the generation of dogs originating from the parents of the offspring.
• Rapid Growth During Puppyhood: Weight gain and growth issues that are characteristic of the puppy stage can cause a Baltimore wrong development of the hip joint. Nutrition and exercise, magazines for children and young adults during their developmental stage also contribute to the environment.

Treatment

Treatment options for hip dysplasia aim to alleviate pain and improve joint function and can include:

• Weight Management: Adhering to a healthy weight does not put stress on the hips and ensures that the pain is minimized as well as the rate of OA of the hip is not accelerated.
• Physical Therapy: It is important to note that the hip joint is surrounded by many muscles and thus since exercises and physical therapy help with their strengthening, this will relieve the pain that is felt.
• Medications: Certain medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, can be used in order to reduce the pain and inflammation which characterizes hip dysplasia.
• Surgery: In chronic situations, different surgical interventions like the hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy may be required to overcome the mobility limitations and has a profound impact on the patient’s life.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable spinal cord disease that affects German Shepherds. This condition leads to the degeneration of the white matter in the spinal cord, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and limbs. Over time, this degeneration results in loss of coordination and muscle control, severely impacting the dog's mobility.

Symptoms

Symptoms of degenerative myelopathy typically appear in older dogs and progressively worsen over time. They include:

• Weakness in the hind legs
• Difficulty walking, often described as a "drunken" or unsteady gait
• Knuckling of the paws, where the dog drags its feet
• Loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs
• Difficulty rising from a lying position
• Incontinence as the disease progresses
• Eventual paralysis of the hindquarters

Causes

The primary cause of degenerative myelopathy is genetic. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that dogs must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. Genetic testing can identify carriers and affected dogs, which is crucial for breeding decisions.

Treatment

While there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, supportive care can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected dogs. Treatment options include:

• Supportive Care: Providing a comfortable and safe environment to prevent injuries and manage symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Regular physical therapy and exercise can help maintain muscle strength and delay the progression of muscle atrophy.
• Mobility Aids: Devices such as harnesses, wheelchairs, or carts can assist dogs in moving around and maintaining some degree of independence.
• Medications: While there is no specific medication for DM, some treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting nerve function may be prescribed.
• Supportive Care: Offering a safe environment to patients to eliminate cases of injuries and in addition, managing their signs and symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and the performance of exercises also can prevent muscle atrophy, some degree of muscle strength still can be preserved.
• Mobility Aids: To help the dog get around and stay somewhat mobile, some mobility support devices include harnesses, wheelchairs as well as carts.
• Medications: Although there are no drugs for DM, some of the medications used in the treatment of neuropathic pain that works by decreasing inflammation and enhancing the functioning of nerves is often prescribed.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition in German Shepherds, characterized by abnormal development of the elbow joint. This condition affects the alignment and congruence of the joint, leading to uneven pressure distribution and resulting in joint instability, pain, and inflammation. Over time, elbow dysplasia can significantly impact a dog's mobility and quality of life.

Symptoms

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia in German Shepherds include:

• Limping or favoring one front leg
• Stiffness, particularly after rest or exercise
• Reduced range of motion in the elbow joint
• Swelling around the elbow
• Reluctance to run, play, or engage in physical activities
• Pain when the elbow joint is touched or manipulated

Causes

The primary causes of elbow dysplasia are:

• Genetic Predisposition: Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia has a strong hereditary component, with the condition often passed down from one generation to the next.
• Developmental Issues: Problems during the growth phase, such as asynchronous growth of the bones forming the elbow joint or abnormalities in cartilage development, can contribute to the onset of elbow dysplasia.

Treatment

Treatment options for elbow dysplasia aim to manage pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the disease. They include:

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected elbow joint.
• Weight Management: Maintaining an optimal weight minimizes stress on the elbow joints, alleviating pain and preventing further deterioration.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the elbow joint, improving stability and mobility.
• Surgery: In more severe cases, surgical interventions such as arthroscopy to remove bone fragments, corrective osteotomy, or elbow replacement may be necessary to restore function and reduce pain.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Sometimes, the disorder is referred to as Bloat and other times Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is used, which is a condition affecting German Shepherds where the stomach seriously fills up with gas and then twists over on itself. This twist seals the blood circulation to the stomach and some other organs and the effects are severe, sometimes even fatal if not corrected. GDV demands an emergency medical care response almost in all the cases.

Symptoms

This condition in the German Shepherd dogs presents it symptoms very surprisingly and reaches its climax very swiftly. They include:

• Restlessness and pacing
• Excessive drooling
• Hernia, dropsy or oedema of the abdomen
• effort straining to regurgitate without accomplishment of vomiting and or expelling substances (non productive retching)
• Manifestation of severe discomfort and pain through whining or groaning
• Shallow and accelerated breathing, tachycardia
• Also, the SIL classification distinguishes between moderate and severe disability and for the latter two levels of disability, the subject is characterized by collapse and comparative weakness.

Causes

Several risk factors contribute to the development of GDV in German Shepherds:

• Eating Large Meals Quickly: Dogs for which they consume a lot of food in a given period are most likely to be affected by the condition.
• Drinking a Lot of Water After Eating: Drinking a lot of water right after the meals is also bad since it only causes distention.
• High Activity Levels After Eating: This form of vomiting is likely to be realized when an individual exercises or plays vigorously immediately after taking a meal.
• Deep Chest Conformation: This predisposes the German Shepherds to GDV given that they are a deep-chest breed of dogs.

Treatment

Dogs with bloat need to be treated as soon as possible which can be done by consulting the vet as soon as the first symptoms appear. Treatment options include:

• Emergency Medical Treatment: The first thing you want to do is stabilize the dog this can mean relieving pressure on the stomach by releasing gas.
• Surgery: Surgery is normally recommended to untwist the stomach and check for the extent of the twine’s damage on the stomach and other organs. Gastropexy is usually done during surgery to fixate the stomach to the abdominal wall in order to avoid the occurrences of GDV in future.
• Post-Operative Care: Post-operative care is paramount in assessment, treatment of pain, wound care and early identification of any complication in the provided dog.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is indeed a condition whereby the pancreas fails to secrete adequate amount of enzymes, which are essential in digestion and the assimilation of the nutrients in foods. This deficiency hinders its digestion capability of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats consequently resulting in malnutrition and different digestive complications. In GSDs, EPI is among the serious diseases that can have severe consequences on their well-being when not well treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of EPI in German Shepherds are primarily related to digestive disturbances and include:

• Long-standing persistent diarrhoea which may be foul smelling and sometimes, pale and greasy in appearance.
• Meaning that the obese patient is able to lose a considerable amount of weight, yet the appetite still remains normal or even increased.
• Dull coats and hair shedding or lack of luster on the coat of the dog.
• Flatulence and bloating
• Muscular atrophy and generally debilitated state
• Polyphagia and also coprophagy are evident, meaning that the patient needs to eat more food than usual and also tends to eat feces.

Causes

The usual cause of EPI is inheritance and the most common affected breed is the German shepherd. It can also occur due to other diseases of pancreas such as chronic pancreatitis or due to conditions that attack the cells of the pancreas that produce enzymes.

Treatment

Management of EPI requires lifelong care, focusing on enzyme replacement and dietary adjustments:

• Enzyme Replacement Therapy: The foundation of the management of EPI relies on the administration of pancreatic enzyme replacements to the diet of the dog. These enzyme supplements, in their powdered form, are then eaten while in each meal to help in digestion processes.
• Dietary Management: Following a sound diet with the appropriate nutrients that can be easily broken down, low fiber content, and moderate fat will enhance nutrient intake. Frequent and small feedings also help in controlling the symptoms and also feeding the dog properly at the same time.
• Vitamin Supplementation: Fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) as well as Vitamin B subscription may be needed to provide for the deficiency as a result of malabsorption in cases of EPI in dogs.
• Regular Monitoring: Daily check of the dog’s weight, stool, and overall body condition, must be observed by the veterinarian to have means of changing the medications to maximize the therapeutic result and minimize any adverse effect.

Allergies in German Shepherds

Allergies of different types such as, food allergies, environmental allergies and Flea allergies can affect the German Shepherds as it is witnessed in many other breeds. 

These allergies are elicited when the immune system reacts inappropriately to certain stimuli referred to as allergens and they lead to uncomfortable and, at times, incapacitating Symptoms. It is important to ensure suitable management of the allergy since it affects the dog’s health profoundly.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of allergies in German Shepherds include:

• Persistent itching and scratching
• Skin manifestations such as skin redness and inflammation
• Recurrent ear infections
• Hot spots and skin injuries
• Some of the symptoms, I know that may be associated with this condition include vomiting, diarrhea especially if one is allergic to food.
• Licking and chewing of the paws and other extremities more than is normal
• Watery eyes and sneezing (as obvious in environmental allergy).

Causes

Allergies in German Shepherds are caused by exposure to specific allergens:

• Food Allergies: Some proteins found in meats like beef, chicken as well as dairy products and grains are known to cause allergy.
• Environmental Allergies: Dust, animal hair, pollen, changes in weather, etc sinus causing factors can be irritating in nature and cause allergy.
• Flea Allergies: The saliva that is introduced into the skin by flea has an alkaline nature and it has been reported to cause severe allergic reactions immediately after biting the skin or after single flea exposure.

Treatment

Effective management of allergies in German Shepherds involves a combination of approaches:

• Allergy Testing: Usage of blood tests, skin tests, and exclusion diets in defining the specific allergens in that individual enables the doctor to come up with the most appropriate treatment plan.
• Hypoallergenic Diets: For food allergy, which requires dietary modification, feeding a hypoallergenic diet excluding the food labeled as an allergen will subside the symptoms. It might include employing unfamiliar sources of protein or protein diets which are hydrolyzed in some manner.
• Medications: H1-antihistamines, corticosteroids as well as other medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms such as itching. Sometimes the vet may suggest immunotherapy or allergy shots which helps to gradually build up the hypo-sensitivity of the dog to certain allergens.
• Environmental Management: Reducing exposure to environmental allergens through regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and keeping the dog indoors during high pollen seasons can help minimize symptoms. For flea allergies, maintaining a strict flea control regimen is essential.

Perianal Fistulas

Anal furunculosis also referred to as perianal fistulas is a recurring and painful skin disorder that is witnessed in German Shepherds in the tissues surrounding the anus. This condition mainly involves the formation of ulcerative tracts, and sores in the perianal region that results to a lot of pain. It is an irreversible condition that should be managed and treated to enhance the lover’s life of the affected pet.

Symptoms

Symptoms of perianal fistulas in German Shepherds include:

• The unpleasant and severe signs related to the anal area
• Pain in the anus and around the area, swelling and inflammation.
• Visible sinuses or ulcers with secretion which may be bloody of purulent.
• Constipation that may be characterized by limitation of easy passage of stools, straining and pain.
• Having redness or swelling at the part or the body that is licked or bitten
• Inferior discharge with foul smell coming from the infected tracts
• This is mainly attributed to the fact that the patients may have no appetite or loss of appetite as a result of pain or discomfort.

Causes

In regard to the exact aetiology of perianal fistulas, it is still not clear, although it has been suggested that it is immune-mediated. Factors that may contribute to the development of this condition include:

• Genetic Predisposition: In the breed most commonly associated with - the German Shepherd - there are some indications that this may well be a congenital illness.
• Immune System Dysfunction: Immune dysregulation and inflammation are considered to be directly associated with the formation of perianal fistulas.
• Anatomical Factors: Thus, one can assume that the anatomical features of their tail and anal area are somehow conducive to developing this disease.

Treatment

Treatment of perianal fistulas typically involves a combination of medical management and, in some cases, surgical intervention:

• Medical Management: Corticosteroids antifolate drugs which include azathioprine calcineurin inhibitors including cyclosporine and tacrolimus are some of the immunosuppressive drugs. Any cases of secondary bacterial infection may be treated with the use of antibiotics. Analgesics and NSAIDs are also used to treat the symptoms associated with the disease.
• Topical Treatments: Application of medicated ointments and creams to the affected area can help soothe irritation and promote healing.
• Dietary Management: A hypoallergenic or novel protein diet may be recommended to reduce potential dietary triggers of inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe or refractory cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected tissue and promote healing. Procedures can range from minor debridement to more extensive surgery, such as tail amputation, to prevent recurrence.

Epilepsy

Seizures or epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, and GSD is particularly prone to this condition as is many other breeds. The latter is known as epilepsy, a condition commonly defined by the occurrence of seizures and which does not have a clear cause. Seizure disorders do affect the canine’s quality of life and in order to mitigate the occurrence of seizures in this breed of dog, it requires special attention.

Symptoms

Symptoms of epilepsy in German Shepherds include:

• There are different types of seizure that may be focal seizures, which is a seizures affects just one part of the body, or generalized tonic clonic seizures which is a seizure that affects the whole body or absence seizures which is a brief loss of consciousness.
• Muscle rigidity or stiffness
• Loss of consciousness
• Unusually large amounts of saliva in the mouth or producing froth from the mouth.
• Saling of urine or feces during a seizure
• Babbling or thrashing of the limbs
• Post-seizure confusion or post-ictal state involves a period of confusion after the seizures.

Causes

The exact cause of epilepsy in German Shepherds is often unknown, but it can have genetic or idiopathic origins:

• Genetic Factors: Epilepsy is known to be heritable sometimes, this implies that there are genetic factors in dogs that make them vulnerable to the condition.
• Idiopathic Epilepsy: Often epilepsy is categorized as idiopathic which means that the cause of the condition cannot be diagnosed. The cause of the disorder may be attributed to genes and the environment.

Treatment

Treatment of epilepsy in German Shepherds focuses on controlling seizures and improving the dog's quality of life:

• Anti-Seizure Medications: The veterinary may suggest phenobarbital, potassium bromide or newer anti-seizural drugs for instance Levetiracetam to less the effecting seizures. Sometimes it takes time to discover the right combination of both the drug and dosage of the drug.
• Regular Veterinary Care: Close monitoring by a veterinarian is essential to assess the dog's response to treatment, adjust medication dosages as needed, and monitor for any potential side effects.
• Lifestyle Management: Maintaining a stable routine, minimizing stress, and ensuring adequate rest and exercise can help reduce the likelihood of seizures. Avoiding potential triggers, such as certain foods or environmental factors, may also be beneficial.

Conclusion

To add to the list, one can take normal check ups to the veterinary as one of the essential activities within the German Shepherd’s care. These annual checkups enable a healthcare professional to diagnose and treat several diseases, including those highlighted here.

It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following common conditions hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, perianal fistulas, epilepsy, and others, and their symptoms since early detection is critical in managing the diseases. Thus, veterinarians should be aware of them and, when diagnosed at an early stage, initiate proper treatment to prevent distress and affect the quality of life and longevity favorably.

All Spanish breed owners are advised to take their dogs often to the vet and to discuss any concerns on the health of their dogs with the veterinarians. In collaboration with the veterinarian, we gain confidence that our beloved pets are given proper care and will thus have longer, healthier and happier lives with us.