Are you a first time German Shepherd owner, or are you thinking about getting a German shepherd? Then you will want to keep on continuing to read this article. Getting a dog of a certain breed is exciting and of course there are so many different options to choose from. And here at K9phenom we want to get you familiarized with not only the temperament, personality, and care requirements of the breed, but also their health problems.
Once you are familiar with them, it will be easier to choose which dog you want to choose and have a better understanding to the possible health problems your German Shepherd may one day face.
All dog breeds may face some health problems, It doesn’t matter what breed you get, down the road it will have some kind of health problems. And Here we are going to talk about some of the seven common health problems we have noticed in German Shepherd’s
Hip Dysplasia
One health condition that German Shepherds are prone too hip dysplasia. While this inherited diseases is not breed specific to German Shepherds, it is one of the more popular aliments affecting the breed. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe. By learning more about this condition, new dog owners such as yourself can help prevent it form getting worse.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy or (DM) is also referred to as Chronic Degenerative RadiculoMylopathy (CDRM). DM is believed to be a neurological autoimmune disease that gravely impacts the myelin cheating that insulates nerve fibers and axons that carry signals form the disease. Which as it progresses, eventually causes paralysis in the back and from lies and leads to death.
Anal Furunculosis
Anal Furunculosis, or the development of Perianal Fistuals, is a condition that causes severe, deep penetrating lesions around the anus of the dog. These reason are chronic, often resulting in persistent ulcers. It is believed that they result from inflamed sebaceous glands, which become infected with bacteria in the warm environment under tail.
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Pancreatic Insufficiency (EIP) has become more common in German Shepherds are is usually first noticed what the dog suddenly beings losing copious amounts of weight despite excessive hunger. Dogs suppering from EIP are unable to digest food properly and pancreatic enzymes supplemented in food will be required for the rest of your dog’s life.
Bloat or Gastric Torsion
Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a conditioned seen in German Shepherds, as well as other large dogs, deep chested dogs. Bloat is a true life threatening emergency that requires emergency intervention or the dog will die. It is caused by a build up gas in the dog’s stomach which cuts off circulation and immediately begins killing tissues. All large dog owners should know the signs and symptoms of bloat.
Haemophilia A
Haemophilia A is a bleeding disorder that can affect German Shepherd dogs, which causes severe bleeding at the slightest trauma. Male dogs affected by the disease, however females can be carriers, In some cases, there can be no family history of the disease.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy or seizure disorders can affect German Shepherds, as well as other breeds. It is a disorder of the brain characterized by various diseases but in idiopathic epilepsy (IE) no underlying disease of the brain or body can be found to account for the repeated seizure activity. Males are more prone to seizures than female German Shepherds.
Here and K9Phenom we want to get you to know everything there is about your New best friend, and our article wasn’t meant to scare you, but for you to have a better understanding of the amazing breed and things to look for when it comes to health problems, with the proper care you will be able to prevent these from happening to your best friend.