Are You Aware Of These German Shepherd Dog Health Concerns?

A favorite breed of dog is the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, German Shepherds tend to suffer from certain health problems the way other purebred dogs do. In the following article, we’ll cover some common German Shepherd dog health problems.

Developmental bone and joint disease is a problem common to many large dog breeds, affecting the younger animals. If your dog is affected, he may show no symptoms at all, or he may demonstrate pain or lameness, and seem cautious about movement. Hip dysplasia may cause leg muscles to actually waste.

Another problem that may affect German Shepherds is Hemangiosarcoma. It is basically a cancer of the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Weakness, a distended abdomen, sudden collapse and pale gums are the symptoms associated with this disease. Skin, heart, liver and spleen are the affected areas.

Another German Shepherd dog health problem is weakness in the hind legs, which manifests itself through a lack of coordination, or by a general shakiness of movement. This can be caused by a slipped disc, or by a breakdown of the bones of the spine, or even of the spinal cord itself.

Another problem to look out for is a diseased thyroid gland which will cause either over or under-production of thyroid hormones in some dogs. If your dog is experiencing skin infections, lethargy, hair loss, or cold intolerance it could indicate a thyroid problem.

Your German Shepherd may also have health concerns with the eyes. Pannus which is an inflammation of the cornea and can affect the dogs vision, can be diagnosed by observing – pink to black growths over the front of the eye, squinting, excessive tearing or eye discharge, eye redness, rubbing or pawing at the eyes.

Pyoderma literally means “pus in the skin” is is most commonly referred as bacterial infection of skin that is recurring in nature. Usually there will be pus in the area. The immune system deficiency is thought to be the principal cause. Signs and symptoms of pyoderma include scratching, skin redness, pimples, sores, scaps and alopecia in the area. There may pain in the area and some pets may be sluggish and lose their appetites.

A first step to avoiding these German Shepherd dog health issues is to make sure that your dog does not come from a breeder where other dogs had these issues. Watch your dog carefully, and be sure to consult your Vet if your dog displays any symptoms, or behavior out of the ordinary.