German Shepherds, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, are a popular breed. However, like all breeds, they have predispositions to certain health issues. Being aware of these potential problems can help you provide the best possible care for your canine companion.
Joint Issues
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and lameness.
Digestive System Problems
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. Deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds are more susceptible. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, restlessness, drooling, and attempts to vomit without producing anything. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after meals may help reduce the risk.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): EPI is a condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Enzyme replacement therapy and dietary management can help dogs with EPI live healthy lives.
Pancreatitis: A German Shepherd’s pancreas will regularly release enzymes meant to ease digestion. However, for dogs with pancreatitis, those enzymes activate earlier than intended, resulting in inflammation that damages the pancreas and local organs.
Neurological Disorders
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to weakness and paralysis in the hind legs. Symptoms include a wobbly gait, difficulty standing or walking, and loss of coordination in the hind legs. While there’s no cure, supportive care like physical therapy and assistive devices can help maintain your dog’s quality of life.
Eye Conditions
Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis): Pannus is an immune-mediated eye condition that affects the cornea, causing inflammation and scarring. German Shepherds are particularly prone to this condition, which can lead to vision impairment if left untreated. Symptoms include redness and thickening of the cornea, a cloudy or opaque appearance of the eye, and excessive tearing. It can be managed with lifelong medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Cataracts: German Shepherds can also be prone to cataracts. Cataracts cause cloudy eyes.
Metabolic Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. German Shepherds are among the breeds with a higher risk of developing this disease. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, and lethargy. It requires lifelong management with insulin injections, dietary changes, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Skin Conditions
Perianal Fistula: Also known as anal furunculosis, this is a disease where the skin around the anus develops blister-like openings that swell, leak, and drain.
Allergies: Allergies, both environmental and food-related, are more common in German Shepherds than in some other breeds. Symptoms can include itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
Cancer
German Shepherds are more susceptible to cancers than most dogs, particularly as they get older.
Hemangiosarcoma: Hemangiosarcoma is the cancer most associated with German Shepherds. It is an aggressive cancer that originates in the blood vessels, commonly affecting the spleen, liver, and heart.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, is more prevalent in large breeds like German Shepherds. It typically affects the limbs and can cause lameness and swelling.
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is cancer that forms in the lymph system and then spreads from there. In German Shepherds, the most prevalent form of lymphoma is multicentric lymphoma.