German Shepherds are among the most beautiful breeds in the world and make wonderful family pets, but those who have German Shepherds should know that they sometimes have serious health problems. Buy your puppy from a reputable dealer and ask about health problems in the dog’s biological family.
Canine hip dysplasia is an abnormality in which the hip bones have an abnormally shallow spot where the femur or thighbone is supposed to fit. When this happens, the joint may be loose and the dog may become lame. Painful arthritis can develop from this malformation. Constipation can also result. Prevention includes feeding only what the dog strictly needs, as being overweight can be a contributing factor, providing a well-balanced diet with just the right amount of calcium, and providing moderate exercise such as running and swimming once the dog is an adult. Once dysplasia is diagnosed, aspirin can reduce inflammation, and heat can help with pain. Orthopedic surgery is another option.
Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the front legs, possibly due to abnormal growth rates. It can also cause loose joints and painful arthritis. Treatment consists of aspirin for inflammation or surgical correction.
Heart disease can also be a problem. Heart valve deformities are sometimes seen and treated with surgery to replace the deformed valves. Thickening of the heart muscles and irregular rhythms are also serious heart problems.
Gastric bloating or torsion of the stomach is problematic in large breeds with deep chests. For reasons not fully understood, the stomach twists painfully, trapping its contents. It’s a veterinary emergency.
Degenerative myelopathy, or multiple sclerosis in dogs, is a disease in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.
von Willebrand disease is a deficiency of one of the clotting factors in the blood. Blood platelets, the cells responsible for clotting, cannot function efficiently without all of the clotting factors. Dogs with von Willebrand disease bleed easily and should be watched for any signs of trauma or bleeding.
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the blood vessels and spleen. Dogs may show signs such as nosebleeds, fatigue, pale gums, abnormally rapid breathing, and a swollen abdomen. Sometimes, if diagnosed early, surgery is possible, but the prognosis is poor.
Eye problems are also common in German Shepherds. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can be surgically removed. Distichiasis refers to eyelashes growing in abnormal places, which can cause irritation. Ectropion refers to the eyelids not closing properly, leading to exposure and irritation. Entropion is the ingrowth of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye and irritate it. Macroblepharon is an abnormally large skin opening for the eye. Persistent pupillary membranes is a birth defect in which tissue that is supposed to go away early in puppyhood doesn’t go away. Progressive retinal atrophy affects the back of the eye where the image of light is projected. Night vision fails at first, and as the disease progresses, the dog becomes completely blind.
When looking for a German Shepherd, be sure to find a breeder who is out in the field improving the breed, rather than one who runs a for-profit puppy mill. Going to German Shepherd dog shows is one way to meet owners who are concerned about the breed and good health. You can also talk to veterinarians who see a lot of German Shepherds for advice on where to find a German Shepherd puppy that does not have genetic disorders.