What diseases are German Shepherds prone to?
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (which can lead to arthritis), but major attention to this problem has been given, and thanks to breeding screening, the issue has been massively reduced. German Shepherds are, however, prone to a number of other diseases, including the following.
- Megaesophagus: Megasesophagus is a common condition in German Shepherds that occurs when the esophagus becomes enlarged and makes it difficult for your dog to pass food properly. A dog’s inability to pass food properly can cause food and liquid to accumulate in the esophagus. Megaesophagus is not generally life-threatening, but can lead to vomiting, cough, nasal discharge, and malnutrition. There is no cure for megaesophagus, but diet changes can help your pup get the proper nutrients he needs to stay healthy.
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM): This is a disease that affects the spinal cord and causes progressive paralysis in the hind legs. There is no available treatment in most cases, but dogs can now be screened for this disease with a simple saliva test.
- Bloat: German shepherds are also predisposed to bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Recognizing the symptoms of bloat is very important. If you see your dog throw up bile, hack without producing any vomit, pace, or see that their stomach is visibly larger, get them to the vet immediately. Their abdomen will likely be tight and painful to the touch.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): EPI is a genetic disease of the pancreas that destroys the cells that produce digestive enzymes. The disease makes dogs unable to digest and absorb food. The first signs of EPI are gas, loss of appetite, weight loss, and change in stools, which can lead to malnutrition. EPI is diagnosed with a simple blood test and can be treated by adding pancreatic enzymes to your dog's food.