If you’re a lover of the German Shepherd breed, you should be aware of the various German shepherd health problems and what you can do about them. These problems include Hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand disease, and Pannus, just to name a few. While these are fairly common conditions, there are some more serious ones that should be reported to your vet.
Pannus
Pannus, also known as Chronic Superficial Keratitis, is a potentially blinding disease in German Shepherds. The disease is an immune-mediated condition and is often hereditary, although environmental factors can play a role as well. German Shepherds may be exposed to ultraviolet rays and live in high altitudes, which may increase their risk of developing the disease. While there is no specific treatment for Pannus, owners can be vigilant and seek diagnostic and preventive measures when they notice the symptoms. Some symptoms of Pannus include a pinkish white mass that develops on the cornea of the eye, which is sometimes filmy or red in consistency. If left untreated, the disease can progress to complete blindness.
Treatment for pannus depends on the severity of the condition and on the type of medication prescribed. Early treatment is often a topical treatment, while advanced treatment may require periodic visits to the veterinarian. Treatment may also involve avoiding exposure to ultraviolet light, which can make the condition worse. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove scar tissue.
Pannus is an immune-mediated disease that affects the cornea. It typically affects German shepherds, but it can also affect other breeds of dogs. Without proper treatment, pannus can lead to permanent blindness in German shepherds. Although the cause is unknown, it’s believed to be related to excessive sun exposure. Once diagnosed, the disease typically starts with a pink tinge on the cornea. The eye may then become opaque and cause blindness. Pannus is caused by scar tissue and blood vessels entering the cornea.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a serious and sometimes fatal condition that occurs when the stomach twists too much. This causes an obstruction in the stomach and intestines, preventing adequate circulation to the vital organs. If your German shepherd is affected by this condition, you must act quickly to ensure its recovery. You should also take precautions to prevent the problem in the future.
The best way to prevent GDV is to monitor your dog’s diet closely and feed them small meals regularly. You should also avoid exercising your dog immediately after feeding. If your German shepherd has been diagnosed with GDV, a surgical procedure called gastropexy is available. This procedure involves affixing the stomach to the body wall and is often done during routine neutering.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) causes excessive gas in the stomach, causing it to twist. This condition can cause bloat in your dog, and is potentially life-threatening. Most commonly, it affects large dogs with deep chests like Rottweilers, but it can also affect small breeds. Common symptoms include unproductive retching, abdominal distention, and restlessness. In severe cases, your dog may even collapse.
Another symptom of gastric dilatation-volvulus is difficulty breathing. Unlike humans, German Shepherds don’t suffer from heart problems, but this condition can affect the respiratory system. A distended stomach can block the supply of blood to the liver and spleen. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms.
Von Willebrand disease
Von Willebrand disease in German shepherds is a serious, life-threatening disease. It affects more than 50 breeds, but the most common are German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Scottish Terriers. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat the disease.
Von Willebrand disease in dogs is caused by a defect in the blood clotting process. When blood platelets fail to stick together in the clotting process, it causes bleeding that can be excessive. This disorder can lead to extended periods of bleeding, which can cause death.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from von Willebrand disease, your veterinarian will first perform a blood test. He will draw a sample of blood from your dog and send it to a laboratory to measure the von Willebrand factor. The lab will then report back to you the results. In some cases, a dog is clear while others may experience a high-risk clinical condition.
The symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs range from mild to severe. While some dogs may not display symptoms, others may experience bruising or bleeding after surgery or trauma. Excessive bleeding from the nose, mouth, and genitals is a common symptom of the disease. Symptoms of von Willebrand disease in dogs may begin as early as a year of age.
If your dog has von Willebrand disease, treatment should focus on stabilizing bleeding. Blood transfusions and frozen plasma may be necessary for dogs suffering from the disorder. In severe cases, veterinarians may administer Desmopressin (DDAVP), a drug that raises the von Willebrand factor. The drug may be used before surgery to reduce excessive bleeding.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in German Shepherds is a serious problem that affects the hip joint. It can be caused by obesity, lack of proper nutrition and excessive exercise. Some German Shepherds show signs of hip dysplasia as early as four months of age, while others do not show any symptoms until they are older. However, it is important to treat hip dysplasia as early as possible.
The first step in preventing hip dysplasia is to get your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. This can make a huge difference in the severity and risk of the hip dysplasia. A reputable breeder will provide you with screenings of the parents to determine whether the dog is genetically predisposed to the condition.
If hip dysplasia is detected in an early stage, your puppy will typically show symptoms of weakness and pain in its hind legs. He or she may also have difficulty climbing stairs and rising from a sitting position. Puppies may begin to display signs of hip dysplasia when they are as young as five months of age. However, a mild form of hip dysplasia will not show symptoms until your dog is older. As dogs get older, the problem can become more severe, but if caught early, it can be successfully treated and avoided altogether.
Hip dysplasia is a common condition in large dogs. According to UK vetCompass data, 7.2 dogs out of 1,000 dogs were diagnosed with the disease between 2009 and 2013. This percentage is higher than in other breeds, although the numbers vary. The condition is often hard to diagnose in dogs, and x-rays are often needed for a formal diagnosis.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds are known to be susceptible to epilepsy, a condition characterized by sudden episodes of seizures. These seizures are typically caused by a process that alters the normal functioning of the brain. As such, definitive diagnosis requires an extensive physical examination, detailed history, and advanced imaging diagnostics.
The most common type of epilepsy in German Shepherds is primary epilepsy. It can be caused by various causes, including metabolic problems, brain tumors, strokes, trauma, and genetics. In most cases, seizures begin between 6 months and three years of age and require lifelong medication. Efficacy of the medication must be monitored with periodic blood tests.
The ictal phase lasts a few seconds to several minutes, and may be accompanied by restlessness, attention seeking behavior, and anxiousness. In severe cases, the dog may lose consciousness and be unable to perform basic functions. The postictal phase can be accompanied by incoordination and disorientation, temporary deafness, or even blindness.
Thankfully, there are treatments for seizures in dogs. Working closely with a veterinarian can help you reduce the risk of your pet suffering from this disorder and give your pet a long, comfortable life. The best way to ensure your pet’s health is to visit a veterinarian as soon as you notice the first signs of a seizure.
