Most Common German Shepherd Health Issues

Although this breed is prone to a few health issues, many of these may be managed with regular vet check-ups and proper care.

It’s always wise to have pet insurance on any breed of dog, and German Shepherds are no exception. Premiums are reasonable, especially if you take out a policy when your dog is young, and can potentially save you a significant amount of money over the lifetime of a pet.

Top 10 German Shepherd Health Problems

Below are the top ten health issues of German Shepherds, as well as tips on how to identify and treat these problems, and how you can help prevent them.

#1: Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a serious, progressive disease of the white matter found in the spinal cord. It’s thought to be the result of a gene mutation, causing weakness in the dog’s hind quarters that eventually leads to paralysis. Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs is very similar to ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in humans.

German Shepherds are especially prone to this disease, with about 2% of the breed population affected by it. You should note that in order for the dog to have an active form of DM, they need to have two copies of the mutated gene. With only one gene, though, they’re still carriers of the condition and should never be bred to another dog who also is a carrier.

When It Develops

Degenerative myelopathy might occur in German Shepherds four years or older, however, dogs over eight years old are usually most likely to develop it.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherds include:

• Stumbling
• Dragging a rear foot or leg
• Unsteady gait
• Swaying
• Falling
• Paralysis
• Incontinence

Treatment

There is no cure for this condition. It normally progresses rapidly, with only six months to one year elapsing before euthanasia is in order due to the dog’s poor quality of life.

Treatment for Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherds is basically supportive with factors such as supplements or corticosteroids to hopefully slow its progression, a nutritious diet, possibly physical therapy to help slow deterioration of muscles, and appropriate exercise to prevent obesity may all be helpful.

Prevention

As it is a genetic condition in German Shepherds, Degenerative Myelopathy cannot really be prevented except by judicious breeding and genetic testing. But, there are things you can do to manage your German Shepherd’s health in the event that it does contract this condition:

• Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight along with regular exercise might help to slow the progression of DM.
• Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular trips to the vet once your dog is diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy can help to make its quality of life better as time goes on

#2: Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is a genetic health issue passed on to a German Shepherd by its parents, in which your dog’s elbow joint develops abnormally. It ordinarily occurs when the elbow joint attempts to overcompensate for some misalignment, resulting in increased pressure on the joints.

The increased pressure causes damage to the cartilage inside the elbow  joints, and so this condition develops.

When It Develops

Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds usually develops when they’re puppies, as early as four to eight months of age. However, there are exceptions. Some dogs begin showing symptoms when they’re still quite young but older than the average, at around five to eighteen months old.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds:

• Stiff Joints: The joints may appear stiff and painful, especially after rest or heavy activity
• Head Nodding: Your dog’s head may bob up and down while walking.
• Hesitant to Exercise: Your dog may be reluctant to play, run, or go for walks.
• Limping: Your German Shepherd may favor one leg or limp.

Treatment

While there is no cure for elbow dysplasia, treatments can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression:

• Weight Management: Joint stress is reduced by keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs as well as meds for pain relief are helpful.
• Surgery: In especially severe cases, surgery may be required.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises that target joint mobility along with muscle strength can be beneficial..

Prevention

Since Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds is genetic, there isn’t a lot that can be done to prevent it, except for genetic testing along with selective breeding. However, it’s widely believed by experts that allowing a large breed dog to become obese as a puppy can cause elbow dysplasia.

There are special high protein foods on the market for large breed puppies that are made specifically for the purpose of keeping them from being overweight and putting too much pressure on the elbow joints..

#3. Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia, or CHD, in German Shepherds, is fairly common, just as with other large breeds. It’s a skeletal condition that may either be hereditary or the result of trauma. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips.

Veterinarians will diagnose canine hip dysplasia after X-rays of the hips and pelvis show that the ball, or head of the femur, and hip socket don’t fit together as they should. Instead of sliding smoothly within the joint and creating a fluid motion, this hip joint is loose and rubs on the socket, resulting in bone spurs that cause degenerative joint disease, pain in the hip joint, or lameness.

When It Develops

Hip Dysplasia can develop quite early in German Shepherds, sometimes as young as four to six months of age. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, because some may be one year old or more before this condition is noticeable.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds might include:

• Unwillingness to engage in play or exercise
• Hopping gait
• Reduced range of motion
• Muscle atrophy
• Lameness
• Pain

Treatment

Hip Dysplasia might receive medical treatments such as weight management if the dog is obese, low impact, gentle exercise such as walks, a special diet and supplements like Glucosamine to help support healthy joints.

Anti-inflammatory medications are usually given to reduce inflammation in the dog’s bones and joints, along with pain meds as needed, physical therapy and alternative treatments such as cold laser therapy, acupuncture, and massage.

Surgery is sometimes required. There are basically three types of surgical procedures for German Shepherds with Hip Dysplasia:

• Triple Pelvic Osteotomy: The pelvic bones are cut and rotated so that the hip joint fits and functions better.
• Femoral Head Ostectomy: The head of the dog’s femur bone is removed to alleviate the pain caused by the abnormal hip joint.
• Total Hip Replacement: Just as in humans, the dog’s hip joint might be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial hip joint that will not only restore function but also relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the original hip joint.

Prevention

Since Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds is a genetic, inherited condition, it would be impossible to completely prevent its occurrence. Still ,there are measures that can be taken to minimize the risk. The main thing is to buy from a reputable breeder that can show the dog’s lineage, and that no hip dysplasia was present in its family tree.

By the same token, if you don’t know and can’t trace your German Shepherd’s lineage, do have its DNA screened to rule out Hip Dysplasia or other genetic health issues. Maintenance plays a big part in keeping your dog healthy, too. Feed a well balanced, healthy diet and if in doubt, check with your vet to make sure the dietary plan is sufficient to promote overall health.

Also, regular low impact exercise is helpful in preventing the condition from getting worse, as it otherwise might, and feed the dog joint supplements that may help to slow down progression.

#4 Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that affects the nose of German Shepherds. This condition is fairly common in the breed, perhaps because of their long noses.

When It Develops

German Shepherds can experience back sprains at any age. That being said, they’re more likely to occur in middle aged or older dogs, especially those that are overweight.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of Aspergillosis in German Shepherds include the same as other nasal infections—including runny nose, sneezing, lack of appetite—, but are usually more severe. Your dog might have bleeding from the nose, extreme pain, and swelling in and around its nose.

Treatment

Treatment for Aspergillosis in German Shepherds may include:

• Topical Antifungals
• Oral Antifungals
• Pain management

Surgery might be needed in severe cases to address damage to the lining of the dog’s nose or to remove fungal masses.

Prevention

There really aren’t any significant steps you can take to prevent Aspergillosis in your German Shepherd, but here are a few things that may help discourage it:

• Avoid having your dog in situations where there is mold, such as a damp cellar or outbuilding.
• Dusty environments should be avoided, too, including dusty barns, attics, or anywhere there is a noticeable dust accumulation.
• Try to ensure that your dog has a healthy, strong immune system by feeding a balanced diet and regular exercise.

#5:  Bladder Stones

German Shepherds are prone to developing bladder stones, which are caused by an accumulation of crystalline deposits within the bladder. Ordinarily, the dog’s urine is acidic enough to dissolve these stones so that the residue can pass through the urinary tract. If this doesn’t happen, surgery may be required in severe cases to remove the stones.

When It Develops

Technically speaking, German Shepherds might develop bladder stones at any age. However, they are most often seen in older dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms

Signs of bladder stones in dogs include:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Signs of pain upon urination
• Difficulty urinating

Treatment

Bladder stones in German Shepherds are typically treated with one or more of these approaches:

• Change in Diet: Changing your dog’s diet to make its urine more acidic so that bladder stones don’t form is a front line treatment for recurrence of the problem.
• Antibiotics: The vet may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
• Pain Medications: Passing bladder stones can be excruciatingly painful for your dog, so meds to alleviate its distress are called for.
• Fluids: Giving your dog extra fluids, either by mouth or intravenously, can be helpful in flushing the bladder.
• Surgery: In especially severe cases, for example if the stones are too large to pass through the dog’s urinary tract, surgery might be in order.

Prevention

There are some things you can do to potentially avoid the formation of bladder stones in your dog:

• Fresh Water: One of the most important things you can do is provide your German Shepherd with plenty of fresh water at all times. This helps to dilute the crystalline formation of stones and also ensures that the dog urinates more often, discouraging stones.
• Include Wet Food: Wet food has more moisture than dry food, which helps to discourage bladder stone formation.
• Regular Check-Ups: Schedule your dog for regular vet check-ups with urine tests to check for signs of bladder stones.

#6: Thyroid Problems

Thyroid issues and other endocrine disorders are widespread amongst the German Shepherd breed and can cause serious health problems if untreated. This breed ranks #68 in prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis. Although this isn’t all that high risk, it still poses a relatively high risk for transmission through breeding.

When It Develops

Typically, thyroid problems develop in German Shepherds aged 2-6 years, but issues may appear in dogs up to 10 years old.

How To Spot Symptoms

The main symptoms of thyroid problems in German Shepherds for both underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid or overactive (hyperthyroidism) are:

• Under or over activity
• Hair Loss
• Weight Gain
• Weight Loss
• Increased Urination
• Increased Thirst
• Slow Heartbeat

Treatment

Treatment for thyroid issues in German Shepherds depends on the specific problem. Hypo hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is the most common and is treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy with Levothyroxine.

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is more rare and more serious. It is treated with radioactive thyroid therapy, surgery to remove the thyroid gland, or medications to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone produced.

Prevention

It isn’t always possible to prevent thyroid issues in German Shepherds. But, here are a few points that might help to avoid them:

• Regular check-ups at the vet to check for problems with the dog’s thyroid.
• Healthy diet: A healthy diet is of paramount importance in avoiding thyroid problems in your dog.
• Regular exercise: This promotes a healthy weight and strong immune system, as well as overall better health.

#7: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also called Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is a progressive inflammation of the joints that results from deterioration of cartilage. In healthy joints, the cartilage is a cushion that lets the joint move smoothly through a full range of motion.

But in osteoarthritis, the cartilage cushion breaks down due to repetitive stress, age, disease, or injury. When this protective cushion is lost, the result is decreased range of motion, inflammation, pain, and bone spurs. While it’s possible for any joint in a German Shepherd’s body to develop osteoarthritis, it usually affects the lower spine and legs.

When It Develops

Osteoarthritis in German Shepherds may develop in middle age, normally around seven to eight years of age. But, it can develop earlier, especially if there are predisposing factors such as  hip or elbow dysplasia,  previous injuries, or joint instability.

How To Spot Symptoms

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in German Shepherds might include:

• Pain upon being touched or petted
• Stiffness, lameness, limping
• Irritability or changes in normal behavior
• Reluctance to play, run or jump
• Loss of muscle mass overlying the spine and limbs
• Difficulty either getting up or lying down
• Weight gain

Treatment

Treatment for Osteoarthritis in German Shepherds involves multiple approaches to manage pain and improve mobility. Treatment might include:

1. Exercise: Low-impact exercises such as short walks or swimming can help maintain muscle strength and mobility of joints.
2. Weight Management: Your dog should stay at a healthy weight to lessen the stress on its joints.
3. Physical Therapy: Laser therapy along with hydrotherapy can be helpful.
4. Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, called NSAIDs, like analgesics  and corticosteroids,  help relieve pain and reduce joint inflammation.
5. Supplements: MSM, Glucosamine, and chondroitin, are often prescribed to support joint health and also to help prevent further breakdown of cartilage.

Prevention

One of the primary ways you can help prevent Osteoarthritis  in your German Shepherd is weight control. Obesity puts an added strain on bones and joints which can lead to Osteoarthritis and other joint disorders. Feed a balanced, nutritious diet with added supplements like calcium and supplements that support joint health.

Pay attention to your dog’s mobility. If you notice signs of pain upon walking, hesitancy to exercise, limping or other signs of joint problems, make an appointment with the vet.

#8: Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus is a condition in which the dog’s esophagus becomes enlarged, thus being unable to move food down into the stomach. This, in turn, can lead to food and liquid accumulating in the esophagus, which causes regurgitation.

German Shepherds are especially susceptible to this condition, particularly the congenital form, which is hereditary and often shows up in puppies.

When It Develops

German Shepherds may develop at any stage throughout their lives.

How To Spot Symptoms

• Aspiration Pneumonia: Caused by inhalation of food or liquid into the dog’s lungs, which leads to nasal discharge, fever and coughing.
• Weight Loss: The dog loses weight because of its inability to digest food properly.
• Regurgitation: This is the most common sign, where food and liquids are expelled without the heaving typically associated with vomiting.

Treatment

Treatment for Megaesophagus involves elevating the dog’s food and water bowls, which takes advantage of gravity to help move food and liquids into the stomach. In addition, medications may be given to help manage symptoms and ward off aspiration pneumonia. In cases where medical treatment doesn’t achieve the desired results, surgery may be required.

Prevention

Megaesophagus in German Shepherds might be problematic as it can be an inherited condition or idiopathic, which means that the cause is unknown. Environmental irritants or toxins that might cause inflammation in the German Shepherd’s esophagus may be helpful in prevention. Another key factor in prevention is to avoid breeding dogs that have Megaesophagus.

#9: Perianal Fistula

Perianal fistulas, also referred to as anal furunculosis, are a serious and very painful condition that is common in German Shepherds. This condition is characterized by the formation of chronic,  ulcerating tracts around the dog’s anus. This can be extremely debilitating in dogs.

If it isn’t treated in a timely and appropriate manner, these fistulas can progress to irreversible changes to the dog’s rectum and anus. Extreme cases can eventually lead to euthanasia. The exact cause of Perianal Fistula isn’t fully understood, but it’s widely believed to be an  immune mediated condition with a genetic, hereditary predisposition.

Factors such as poor air circulation around the anal region and bacterial infections, as well, might play a part in it.

When It Develops

Perianal fistulas ordinarily develop around middle age in German Shepherds, with the average onset occurring at about 5 years old This condition is much more common in German Shepherds than in other breeds. In fact, studies have shown that as many as 84% of dogs that are affected are German Shepherds.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of Perianal Fistula in German Shepherds:

• Discharge: There might be blood or pus around the anus.
• Difficulty Defecating: Straining or pain during bowel movements.
• Behavioral Changes: Changes in tail wagging, a reluctance to sit, or pain when touching its hindquarters.
• Incontinence: Loss of control over defecation.
• Licking and Biting: Excessive licking and biting of the perianal area.

Treatment

Treatment for Perianal Fistula might involve medical and/or surgical intervention. Here are the most used treatments for this condition:

• Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry, as this can help manage symptoms and also prevent secondary infections.
• Medications: Cyclosporine is the preferred treatment, and often in combination with other drugs that are immunosuppressive.
• Surgery: In extreme cases, surgery might be required to remove affected tissue.

Prevention

The prevention of Perianal Fistula can be challenging, especially bearing in mind that German Shepherds have such a high incidence of this condition. Hygiene is very important, as is the dog’s diet, which should be healthy and nutritious, with high fiber which may help to prevent the condition.

You should also be sure to give your dog immune supplements, too, since this is thought to be an immune mediated illness. Avoid breeding dogs that have Perianal Fistula as it may be inherited.

 #10 Hemophilia

Hemophilia A is a genetic blood disorder that is relatively common in German Shepherds due to a mutation in the F8 gene, which is responsible for producing a protein necessary for blood clotting. In this serious condition, Hemophilia is caused by a deficiency in coagulation of the blood, causing impaired blood clotting.

It’s inherited in an X-linked recessive way, which means that males are affected more frequently since they only have one X chromosome.

When It Develops

Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in dogs may develop at any age, although it is typically seen in middle-aged to senior dogs.

How To Spot Symptoms

Here are some symptoms frequently observed in German Shepherds with Hemophilia:

• Frequent nose bleeds
• Frequent or severe bruising
• Abnormal bleeding after surgery or giving birth
• Spontaneous or excessive bleeding
• Blood in the feces
• General weakness or over tiredness
• Stiff or swollen joints, due to internal bleeding
• Impaired vision, or loss of vision
• Discolored skin, red spots on the skin

Treatment

Unfortunately, Hemophilia in German Shepherds doesn’t include a lot of treatment options. Here are some suggestions that can help you manage your dog’s condition if they have this health issue:

• Preventive Management: Try to avoid situations where your German Shepherd could be injured and bleed.
• Healthy Diet: A healthy, nutritious diet is key to good overall health for your dog and will potentially aid in managing Hemophilia.
• Medication: Antifibrinolytic drugs to help in preventing the breakdown of blood clots, used to manage abnormal bleeding.
• Blood Transfusions: Used for severe episodes of bleeding, either platelets or whole blood, or both.
• Clotting Factor Replacement Therapy: Clotting factor VIII can be administered to help manage Hemophilia, but this treatment can be quite expensive and requires regular therapy.

Prevention

The only way to prevent Hemophilia in German Shepherds is to use selective breeding, and not breed a dog with the mutation.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Common German Shepherd Health Issues?

Yes, in most cases, it does. If you’re shopping around for good pet insurance to cover your German Shepherd, be sure to check coverage and see if hereditary and genetic conditions are covered. Remember, there’s a difference between hereditary or genetic conditions and pre-existing conditions.

Most pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. It’s also a good idea to look at  benefit limits, waiting periods, and reimbursement percentages, as well.

There are a variety of different sorts of pet insurance on the market. You might choose a policy that has coverage for  injuries and accidents, but doesn’t cover disease or illness.

Alternatively, you might prefer a policy that provides coverage for chronic health problems such as arthritis, along with common health problems. When you start researching pet insurance, you’ll find policies that offer the following coverage:

• Surgery
• Prescription meds
• Diagnostic tests
• MRIs
• Routine wellness examinations
• Blood and lab tests
• X-Rays
• Behavioral therapy
• Alternative treatments
• Prescription food and/or nutritional supplements

Even though pre-existing conditions are not generally covered, there are pet insurance providers that offer coverage. This coverage comes with a higher price tag, but includes extra benefits when and if you need them for your German Shepherd.