Health Problems that are known to occur in the German Shepherd Breed
Allergies- They are prone to many types of allergies from contact to food related
Anitbody IgA Deficiency- This results in a weakened immune system
Behavior abnormalities- They are prone to a wide range of behavior problems from aggression to shyness
Blood Clotting Disorders- a deficiency in coagulation factors VIII or IX
Calcinosis- Hard calcium lumps that form under the skin
Cancer- They are prone to various forms of cancer from blood disorders to bone cancer
Cataract- In older dogs, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which causes anywhere from a partial to a total lack of vision.
Cleft Palate and/or Lip - Both are birth defects. The cleft palate – the roof of the mouth does not grow properly, leaving a hole into the nasal cavaty. Cleft Lip - the skin below the nose does not seal together.
Corneal Dystrophy- degenerative condition where the cornea of the eye becomes cloudy.
Cutaneous Vasculophathy- A puppy disease where by the footpads lose their color and lesions and crusting on the ears and tail occur.
Degenerative Myelopathy - a progressive deterioration of the spinal cord resulting in paralysis
Dermoid Cyst- skin like cyst usually seen on the back.
Ehler’s-Danlos Syndrome- A connective tissue disease in which the skin is very fragile and is easily cut or bruised.
Elbow Dysplasia- An abnormal development of the elbow joint.
Eosinophilic Panosteitis- Pano for short. An inflammatory bone disease found in fast growing young dogs, and is accompanied by an increased type of white blood cells.
Epilepsy - A brain disorder that causes seizures or convulsions….varies from mild to severe
Esophageal Disorders - Spasms of the muscles of the esophagus
Eye Abnormalities- varies from a rolling in of the eyelids, protruding third eyelid, and a disorder in which the lens of the eye slips out of place
Gastric Bloat and Torsion- Bloat is swelling of the stomach from excess gas and is usually followed by gastric torsion, where the stomach twists, which will result in death if not caught and treated quickly.
Glycogen Storage Disease- An inability to store and use the complex carbohydrate glycogen, which is primarily stored in the liver and muscle.
Heart Disease- They are prone to cardiomyopathy, or weakened heart muscles, and a malfunctioning valve.
Hereditary Kidney Hypoplasia- Where the dogs kidneys are immature at birth and never develop completely.
Hip Dysplacia- An abnormal development of the hip joint.
Incontinence- Loss of control of urination and/or bowel movements.
Keratitis- Inflammation of the cornea.
Keratoacanthoma- Non-cancerous skin tumor, most commonly found on the face.
Lymphedema- An accumulation of fluid in the tissues due to a disorder of the lymphatic system.
Malabsorption- The small intestine does not absorb nutrients properly.
Myasthenia Gravis- Autoimmune disease where there is progressive muscle fatigue and generalized weakness as the result of impaired transmission of nerve impulses.
Osteochondritis Dissecans- Form of arthritis where there is inflammation in the joint cartilage.
Osteochondrosis- Abnormal development of the joint cartilage, most commonly found in the shoulder, knee and elbow.
Pancreatic Insufficiency- Digestive enzyme deficiency.
Panosteitis - Also known as shifting lameness.
Pannus- A progressive immune-mediated disease in which there is a growth of tissue over the cornea, causing inflammation and possible blindness.
Perianal fistulas-fistulas that form in the anal area, thought to be caused by an immune system deficiency
Progressive Retinal Atrophy- Slow deterioration of the retina, leads to blindness.
Silica Uroliths- Bladder stones formed primarily from silicone.
Skin Disease- They are prone to deep infections in the skin (boils), autoimmune diseases of the skin, infections of the nose and ears, and seborrhea, which is characterized by scaly, crusty greasy skin.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- Autoimmune disease characterized by skin infections, organ disorders, and blood abnormalities.
Thyroid Disease- They are prone to thyroiditis, lymphocytic thyroiditis, and hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis and lymphocytic thyroiditis are autoimmune diseases that lead to hypothyroidism, a common disease of thyroid hormone deficiency.
Ulcerative Colitis- Chronic inflammation of the colon which can result in the formation of ulcers in the colon.
Von Willebrand’s Disease - Abnormal blood-clotting defect involving both platelets and coagulation function (factor VIII)
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis- Skin disease caused by a zinc deficiency
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Disclaimer: This information is provided purely as an informational service only. We are neither Veterinarians nor Medical Professionals. If your GSD exhibits any of these symptoms, we suggest you discuss the matter with your Vet. for definitive solutions that suit your dog.
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To read more about some of these conditions you can also visit this link page and visit related sites
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