Health Of The

German Shepherd Dog

Hip Dysplasia

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a skeletal problem, an abnormal development of the hip joint where the head of the femur does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket.

It is characterised by a shallow acetabulum (the "cup" of the hip joint) and changes in the shape of the femoral head (the "ball" of the hip joint).

These changes may occur due to excessive looseness in the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. When dogs exhibit symptoms of hip dysplasia they usually are in pain and lame on one or both rear legs.

Severe arthritis can develop as a result of the malformation of the hip joint and this results in pain as the disease progresses.

Megaesophagus

Megaesophagus is term used collectively to describe several oesophageal disorders and malformations. As well as the enlargement, the oesophagus lacks the normal  involuntary swallowing motions and so becomes an inert tube lacking the ability to send food to the stomach. Food and drink can therefore remain in the oesophagus for minutes, hours or sometimes even days.

Anal Furunculosis

Anal furunculosis is also known as perianal fistula or perianal sinus. It is a condition affecting main the GSD. The condition involves multiple chronic fistulous tracks or ulcerating sinuses around the whole of the anal region and surrounding skin. It could be described as being similar to a carbuncle (many headed abscess).

Eye Defects

Luckily, the GSD is not a breed known to suffer from eye defects. If you have any worries about your dogs eyes you should however see your vet as soon as possible.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is sadly common in the GSD. The condition is believed to be hereditary within the breed and is most commonly seen in males. Epilepsy can also be caused by blows to the head resulting in minor brain damage or as a result of oxygen starvation during birth.  It is not uncommon for the first symptoms to be seen years after the event so it is almost impossible to draw a connection between the two. It is thankfully a condition that can be controlled by vets with drugs although there is no cure. Drugs used to treat epilepsy do not always stop seizures altogether but they usually do make them less frequent.

Chronic Degenerative Radiculo Myelopathy

CDRM is a condition which is most commonly seen in the GSD. It is an auto-immune disease not unsimilar to MS in humans. The sheath covering the nerves along the spine is gradually destroyed. Symptoms may include an unsteadiness on the back legs (ataxia), an obviously un-natural gait and knuckling the back paws.

First signs may be a wearing of either or both of the back claws. The condition progresses at varying rates in dogs but inevitably leads to complete paralysis and incontinence as the dog loses all sensation. An extremely distressing condition for the owner to watch develop but fortunately it is believed that the dog is in no pain apart from perhaps arthritic discomfort in some.