"Health of the German Shepherd Dog"

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Pictured Above:   "Cowboy"

Unfortunately, whenever a breed gains great popularity, health problems seem to increase in the breed.  The German Shepherd Dog certainly has its share.  Hopefully, with responsible breeding and health screening, the German Shepherd Dog fanciers can win the battle against some of these health concerns.  The list below of health problems found in SOME GSDs is not meant to deter you from pursuing this fine breed, but more so to make one aware of the problems possible. It should encourage you to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about these conditions and does his/her best to keep their breeding program free of these problems. 

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Glossary:

Key:

d = dominant

r = recessive

p = polygenic

% = may not always be genetic

^ = suspected genetic

? = unknown

 

achalasia (r)

Dilated esophagus; vomiting begins at weaning

ankylosis (?)

Fusing of vertebrae in tail (or spine) reducing range of motion

aubaortic stenosis (?)

bilateral cataract (d)

Opague lens form in both eyes, usually after 2 years

calcium gout (^)

Calcium gout, lumps in skin caused by calcium deposits

(calcinosis circumscripta)

cerebellar hypoplasia (^)

Abnormal gait and loss of control starting at 12 weeks

chronic pancreatitis (^)

Lack of enzymes that digest fat and protein;

chronic weight loss

cleft lip and palate (%)

Nonclosure of bones of upper jaw and roof of mouth

corneal dermoid cyst (^)

Congenital cyst on eye surface

cryptorchidism (^)

Undescended testicle(s)

cystinuria (r)

High cystine in urine; prone to stone formation (males only)

degenerative myelopathy (?)

Spinal degeneration in older dogs , (Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyleopathy - CDRM) - This condition is relatively common among GSDs. It can appear in a young dog, but generally appears from middle age. The degeneration occurs over time, beginning with hind limb weakness. Eventually other weakness can occur, including the lower portion of the esopheogus, which makes complete swallowing difficult and can lead to recurrent pneumonias. Although initial signs resemble hip dysplasia, in actuality, it is the degeneration of the spinal cord rather than hip joints.

diabetes mellitus (r)

Onset of insulin deficiency at 2-6 months

distichiasis (^)

Extra row of eyelashes irritate eye

ectasia (r)

Optic nerve/retina abnormalities (aka "Collie eye")

elbow dysplasia (d)

Progressive developmental deformity of elbow joints, symptomless to crippling (see ununited anchoneal process)

may be polygenic - Elbow dysplasia is characterized by an onset of severe lameness at between 4 and 6 months of age. It almost always affects only one of the elbows but occasionally will affect both. There are three different types of elbow dysplasia: UAP (ununited anconeal process), FCP (fractured coronoid process), and OCD (osteochondrosis). OCD more resembles arthritis in the elbow that may or may not be brought on by trauma or looseness of ligamentation at the elbow. Final diagnosis can only be made by radiograph. OFA now certifies elbows as well as hips.

eosinophilic colitis (^)

Chronic bouts of diarrhea

eosinophilic myositis (?)

Acute, relapsing inflammation of the muscles

epilepsy (r)

Recurrent seizures onset between 1-3 years old - This may possibly be genetically transmitted. At the least, the tendency exists in a few lines. The disorder may not express itself until the dog is about three to four years old. There is no way of testing for the disease until the dog has a seizure.

hemophelia a (r)

(Factor VIII deficiency) slowed blood clotting, hemorrhages

hip dysplasia (p)

Progressive developmental deformity of hip joints, symptomless to crippling -

The hip joint is not constructed properly, usually with a shallow acetabulum. Dysplastic dogs can vary from minor problems to severe dislocation of the hips. This condition is generally considered to be inherited. Breeding stock should be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified (look for an OFA number) or given an "A" certificate if from Germany. (Canada OVC)

Although HD is thought to have a genetic base, pedigree, diet, exercise and so forth can play a role in the extent that the dog exhibits a existing predisposition to HD. Even dogs from long lines of certified parents can still produce HD puppies. The inheritance factor of HD is not fully known. This is why it has so far been impossible to eradicate the condition and why even pups from long lines of certified parents can still have HD. However, pups from generations of certified dogs are less likely to have HD.

intervertebral disc disease (^)

Llipped disc, pain, weakness to paralysis of limbs

malabsorption syndrome (^)

Inability to absorb digested food leads to starvation

nictitating membrane eversion (r)

Third eyelid rolls back; treated surgically

osteochondritis dessicans (^)

Growth disorder of shoulder cartilage; pain, lameness (OCD)

pannus (^)

Vessels, skin and pigment migrate over eye surface, leading to blindness - (Chronic Superficial Keratitis (inflammation)) Pannus is an eye condition in which blood vessels grow onto the cornea. It can lead to blindness if untreated. It is not curable, but is controllable with medication. Some studies suggest an autoimmune problem. (lm)

panosteitis (^)

Acute shifting lameness of growing dogs, deep bone pain, self-limiting - (Commonly called "long bone disease," "wandering lameness," or simply "pano.") Generally seen between 5-12 months of age, it is caused by excessive bone production on the long bones. Dogs will generally grow out of the problem, but it is a painful condition. Pano is, for unknown reasons, common in GSDs. If the dog is x-rayed during a bout of pano, lesions on the growth plates will be visible. However, pano leaves no lasting ill affects on a dog. Diet is thought to play a role. High protein puppy diets may make the puppy grow too fast and increase the chance of the pup experiencing pano (sometimes described as "growing pains"). Pano is also called "Shifting Leg Lameness" as it can show up in any leg and may come and go without warning. Pups usually completely outgrow Pano by 18 months. Enforced rest is usually prescribed. Painkillers are contraindicated since the pup will play more without pain, and may exacerbate the condition.

patent ductus arteriosus (p)

Aortal development defect in fetus,

loud heart murmur,

exercise intolerant

perianal fistuala (^)

Open draining tracts around anus

peripheral vestibular disease (?)

Defect of the middle ear causing puppies to circle - A congenital defect of the middle ear. Puppies will generally circle in an unbalanced way, holding their head back or to one side. Dogs rarely recover, and as afflicted adults, there will still be some head tilt.

pituitary dwarfism (^)

Normally proportioned dwarf, mentally retarded, usually fatal

renal cortical hypoplasia (^)

Degeneration of both kidneys, beginning at about 1 year

retinal atrophy (^)

(Generalized) PRA, retina degenerates causing first night blindness then total blindness

right aortic arch (p)

Abnormal artery constricts esophagus, vomiting

soft ears (r)

Weak ear musculature - Though all GSDs are born with floppy ears, normal ears will begin to stand erect in the 2nd or 3rd month. Some ears will never develop the musculature to stand erect. This is an inherited recessive trait. Though soft ears primarily affects a dog's showability (hanging ears are a disqualification), soft-eared GSDs are also more prone to ear infections.

spondylosis deformans (^)

Spinal arthritis

ununited anchoneal process (d)

Elbow dysplasia; pain and limp in front legs

von Willebrand's disease (d)

Bleeding disorder - A blood disease that can include mucosal bleeding. It is an inherited dominant condition. Requires clinical blood testing to distinguish it from other conditions. Results of breeding two VWD dogs are lethal. VWD is autosomal and not sex-linked.

To find out more about some the above health problems go to our Health Links section.

Dog Age:

Have you ever wondered how your dog is as compared to a human's age?  The old 7 human years per dog year really is not accurate.  Here is a more accurate chart:

Health Articles On Justshepherds.com

How To Keep Your Dog Cool

What Is An Emergency?  - by Richard Bajackson

Every Dog Needs A Good Vet - by Richard Bajackson

  Bloat - An Analysis of Risk and Prevention and Other Information

Panosteitis - by Fred Lanting

Paradoxical Reactions ~ It Can Happen To You - by Richard Bajackson

Swimming Your Dog - by Richard Bajackson

Care of Dog Teeth

Health Links:

Vaccination Issues
Yearly Vaccinations Dangers Article on Vaccine Issues Article: Are We Over-Vaccinating? New Measures of Immunology Vaccination Decisions	Problems with Over-Vaccination Duration of Immunities To Canine Vaccinations Vaccinations in Veterinary Medicine Vaccines, Infectious Diseases and the Canine Immune System
Poison Control
24 hour Animal Poison Control: 1-888-4ANI-HELP
Natural/Holistic
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Nutritional Healthcare with Alternative Diets Holistic Medicine for Dogs Natural Animal Health Preventative Care and Nutrition Magazine Bach Rescue Remedies Veterinary Homeopathy (with many links)	All-Natural Nutritional Suppliments Anaflora Animal Communication and Flower Essences Health Vitamins and Supplements Recommendations Kibble Ingredients with Links to Manufacturers Pet Nutrition Bulletin Board Homeopet

Miscellaneous:

Poisonous Plants

How To Dremel Your Dog's Nails

Canine CPR

Canine First Aid Kit:

BLOAT KIT Items:
2" needle/ Cannula (gas release)
Rolled gastric tubing (cut and measured to individual dog)
PHAZYME gelcaps ADULT (cut tip off and squeeze 3-6 into throat for temporary gas relief until dog is at vet)
Nylon stocking (muzzle wrap)
2" roll of medical tape (place roll of tape in mouth, muzzle w/nylon stocking, tube thru hole in tape roll)

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Your Dog Eats Chicken Bones or Another Sharp Object...

...what do you do?  Of course, contact your vet immediately!  But in the meantime many dog owners have written in sharing their experiences and good luck with feeding cotton balls soaked in milk to their dog.   The cotton balls collect any sharp objects in the dog's intestine and wrap themselves around it.  Also, white bread soaked in olive oil is another suggestion made by dog owners who have experienced this.  This helps protect the dog's interior from being punctured by the sharp object.  One person's dog had eaten a LIGHTBULB and survived thanks to this first aid tactic.  Keep a vigilant eye on your dog and consult your veterinarian immediately.

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Dog Food Links:

Animal Protection Institute - Buying Commercial Pet Food

Healthiest Pet Foods In The World Comparison Wizard Tool

What's Really In Dog Food

Pet Food Investigative Report

Puppy Food Or Adult Food - When To Change?

Bowchow.com Dog Feeding Information

Raw Or Not???

Carts and Wheels For Recovery:

Bed Ramp Dewey's Wheelchairs for Dogs Doggon' Wheels K9Carts Shebas story

Eddie's Wheels Foster and Smith Indoor Ramp Steps for the Car TailWagon Indoor Dog Ramps

Do you have a link or article that you feel needs to be added?  Is there a broken link listed?  
Please e-mail me at dawgphoto@(at)hotmail.com and help keep this list updated! 
Thank you for your help.

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