Dogs/Bitches that are suffering
from EPI should not be used for
breeding.
Although the disorders listed below are found in German Shepherds, they are not necessarily found only in GSDs, nor are they necessarily common. Though the list may seem a bit intimidating, a good look into any breed will reveal a substantial list of health problems that may be common to that breed. This list shouldn't scare you away from GSDs, rather, it should encourage you to find a reputable breeder who is aware of and knowledgeable about these conditions and does their best to keep their breeding program free of these problems.
< HIP & ELBOW DYSPLASIA
< DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY
< EPILEPSY
< PANOSTEITIS
< BLOAT
(GASTRIC TORSION)
< PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY
< HAEMOPHILIA A
< PERIANAL FISTULAS - ANAL FURUNCULOSIS
DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY
(Formerly referred to as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
This is a neurological disease which is progressive and for which, sadly, there is no cure and no real treatment. Myelopathy is likened to Multiple Sclerosis is humans. Myelopathy has been described as the most common cause of progressive hind limb dysfunction in older German Shepherd Dogs - not Hip problems as is commonly and incorrectly believed by distressed owners.
The condition affects both dogs and bitches and onset usually occurs between the ages of five and nine years. Myelin, the fatty deposit which coats nerves and aids transmission of messages from the brain is lost.
The degeneration occurs over time in the hind limbs. Affected dogs gradually lose the use of their hind legs with ataxia (ataxia means 'absence or order'), they criss-cross their legs and may trip themselves up when turning, they wear down the top of their nails and scuff the tops of their toes. Paresis (weakness) and loss of proprioception (positional senses) results. The most common tell tale sign of the onset of Myelopathy is when the dog/bitch stands with hind toes curled under the foot yet seemingly does not appear to notice. There will be muscle loss over the hindquarters and the dog may begin to look thin although appetite will still be normal. When the dog/bitch stands still a 'swaying' of the hindquarters becomes increasingly apparent.
Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy do get frustrated whey they find that they can not jump up (eg into the back of a car) or perform normal daily activities but they do not exhibit signs of pain or discomfort.
The condition will eventually lead to complete paralysis, the rate of progression varies greatly from one dog to another. Once they are unable to get up management of large dogs like GSDs becomes a problem for many owners. Fortunately dogs suffering from Degenerative Myelopathy rarely develop incontinence so many dogs can live for several years with this condition. Exercise is very beneficial to the Degenerative Myelopathy sufferer and unlike some other spinal conditions rest is not advantageous.
A genetically transmitted condition. There was a time, especially around the late 60's and early 70's when well known show dogs and prolific sires were experiencing epileptic fits but their condition was hidden and they were widely used at stud. Therefore, the gene was passed on and the incidence of epilepsy was increased. A campaign by well known breeders and stalwarts of the breed at the time was successful in highlighting known sources of epilepsy and gradually people stopped using such dogs at stud. A reputable breeder would have first hand information and knowledge about these dogs even though they have now disappeared off today's pedigrees, they will know that their lines are 'clear'. On the other hand, a hobby breeder would not have the insight into a pedigree and unbeknown to them may unintentionally 'double up' on known lines thus increasing the risk of an Idiopathic Epileptic.
The dog, as in humans will suffer seizures. Seizures are the result of a disturbance in the electrical activity of brain cells. They can occur for a variety of reasons, in any breed of dog. Epilepsy is the term used for recurrent seizures where no underlying disease process can be identified as the cause (also called idiopathic epilepsy). Seizures typically begin between 1 and 3 years of age. Before or after this age, the seizures are more likely caused by an active disease process, such as infection, trauma, a metabolic disorder, or a tumour.
The effects of a seizure depend on the part of the brain involved. Typically there is a change in behaviour (eg confusion, fear, rage), consciousness (the animal may or may not lose consciousness), motor activity (rigid or jerky muscle spasms, or paddling), and autonomic activity (salivation, urination and defecation). Changes in sensory function may lead to pawing at the face, tail chasing or biting at part of the body or the air.
Seizures may be partial or generalized, and mild or severe (grand mal). A dog experiencing a mild generalized seizure might be confused, show weakness and some muscle tremors, and look to the owner for reassurance. A dog in a grand mal seizure will be unconscious, with rigid or jerking limbs, and involuntary salivation, urination, and defecation.
Seizures vary in frequency as well, from very occasional to almost constant. Status epilepticus is a series of seizures in rapid succession, or 1 continuous seizure. This is a medical emergency which requires immediate veterinary attention. It is common for a dog to show a change in behaviour such as hiding or attention-seeking for hours or even days before a seizure (called the prodrome or aura). Abnormal behaviour associated with fatigue, depression, hunger, thirst, or hyperactivity may last for days afterward (post-ictal phase).
Treatment depends on factors such as the severity and frequency of the seizures. A dog that experiences the occasional mild seizure probably needs no treatment other than watchfulness on the part of the owner. Grand mal seizures or status epilepticus, at the other extreme, require emergency medical treatment to sedate or anesthetize the dog, and to prevent the brain damage associated with prolonged seizure activity.
Once your veterinarian has determined that your dog has idiopathic epilepsy (ie. no specific cause that can be treated), s/he will likely recommend regular medication to control seizures if they occur more than once a month or in clusters, or if your dog has experienced a grand mal seizure. Phenobarbital is the drug most commonly used and it is safe, effective and inexpensive. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the lowest effective dose for your dog. You will be asked to keep careful track of any seizures as well as all drugs given. Blood levels of Phenobarbital should be measured periodically, as well as indicators of liver and kidney function. With this monitoring, most dogs with idiopathic epilepsy can lead a normal life. Dosages may need to be adjusted if there is a change in seizure frequency or severity, or if medication is given for another reason. If seizures were initially readily controlled and none has occurred for 6 to 9 months, your veterinarian may very gradually reduce the dosage, and sometimes ultimately discontinue the use of anticonvulsants.
Dogs that have experienced seizures, and their parents and siblings, should not be used for breeding.
Panosteitis can be a difficult disease to diagnose because the lameness shifts from limb to limb and the early changes that are seen on X-Rays are difficult to interpret. Panosteitis literally means "inflammation of all bones". It is a debilitating disease which affects young dogs, and it can be distressing for the owner as well as the animal. Most animals will make a full recovery
Generally seen between 5 - 12 months of age, it is caused by excessive bone production on the long bones. Canine panosteitis affects only large or giant breeds of dog and males are more commonly affected than females, and in females it often occurs in association with the first oestrus. The signs of panosteitis are sudden onset acute pain causing lameness which shifts from one leg to another. There is usually no history of trauma, and affected dogs are quite unwell, depressed and usually off their food. There is often acute pain when the affected bone(s) are pressed firmly.
Diet is thought to play a role; high protein puppy diets may make the puppy grow too fast and increase the chance of pano. Pups usually outgrow pano by 18 months of age. Enforced rest is the best remedy as painkillers can be counter-productive since the pup will play more without pain and may worsen the condition.
Bloat is a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content. It is also commonly referred to as torsion, gastric torsion and gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) when the stomach is also twisted. The word BLOAT is often used as a general term to cover gas distension of the stomach with or without twisting.
The condition occurs most commonly in domesticated animals, deep chested breeds are especially at risk.
Bloat in dogs is likely caused by a multitude of factors, but in all cases the immediate prerequisite is a dysfunction of the sphincter between the oesophagus and stomach and an obstruction of outflow through the pylorus. Some of the more widely acknowledged factors for developing bloat include increased age, breed, having a deep and narrow chest, stress, eating foods such as kibble that expand in the stomach, overfeeding, and other causes of gastrointestinal disease and distress. Studies have indicated that the risk of bloat in dogs perceived as happy by their owners is decreased, and increased in dogs perceived as fearful. This may be due to the physiological effects of the dog's personality on the function and motility of the gastrointestinal system. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease may be at an increased risk for bloat.
One common recommendation in the past has been to raise the food bowl of the dog when it eats. However, studies have shown that this may actually increase the risk of bloat. Eating only once daily and eating food consisting of particles less than 30 mm in size also may increase the risk of bloat. One study looking at the ingredients of dry dog food found that while neither increased grains, soy, or animal proteins increased risk of bloat, foods containing an increased amount of added oils or fats do increase the risk, possibly due to delayed emptying of the stomach.
The stomach twists around the longitudinal axis of the digestive tract, also known as volvulus. Gas distension may occur prior to or after the stomach twists. The most common direction for rotation is clockwise, viewing the animal from behind. The stomach can rotate up to 360° in this direction and 90° counter-clockwise. If the volvulus is greater than 180°, the oesophagus is closed off, thereby preventing the animal from relieving the condition by belching or vomiting. The results of this distortion of normal anatomy and gas distension include low blood pressure, decreased return of blood to the heart, ischemia (loss of blood supply) of the stomach, and shock. Pressure on the portal vein decreases blood flow to liver and decreases the ability of that organ to remove toxins and absorbed bacteria from the blood. At the other end of the stomach, the spleen may be damaged if the twisting interrupts its blood supply. If not quickly treated, bloat can lead to blood poisoning, peritonitis and death by toxic shock.
Signs of bloat include a distended rigid abdomen, indications of vomiting with no results and inability to belch or pass gas. This is an immediate health concern where the dog should be taken to the vet immediately. DO NOT ATTEMPT HOME TREATMENT - delay of veterinary care will prove fatal.
General tips to prevent bloat:-
• Feed your dog smaller portions,
multiple times a day. Avoid large portions served once a day.
• Always keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog
• Do not allow high activity directly before or after eating
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is the inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas. This disease is found frequently in dogs. EPI is caused by a progressive loss of the pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes. Most commonly in dogs, this is caused by pancreatic acinar atrophy. The atrophy in turn can be caused by previous infections, a blocked pancreatic duct, or genetics. Loss of digestive enzymes leads to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients.
EPI is life threatening without treatment since a dog with EPI is unable to digest their food they will basically starve to death despite eating large amounts of food. Symptoms include a yellow coloured diarrhoea, vomiting, flatulence, rapid weight loss, depression and lack of coat lustre.
If you suspect your dog as EPI you should contact your vet as soon as possible who will be able to take a blood sample to be examined by laboratory. The results will confirm EPI, enzyme replacements will be prescribed by the vet for the rest of the dogs natural life. Besides tablets and powders you can also treat the condition by adding Pig Pancreas to the dogs diet. Pig Pancreas can be purchased from registered slaughterhouses, the Pig Pancreas is then liquidized into a milkshake consistency and added to the dogs low fat diet. The effect is that once your dog has eaten his/her food the Pig Pancreas enzymes will begin a chemical reaction breaking down the food just like the dogs own pancreas should do.
This is a serious condition requiring constant medication and special dietary requirements.
Haemophilia A is a blood clotting disorder caused by a mutation of the factor VIII gene, leading to a deficiency in Factor VIII. It is the most common haemophilia. Inheritance is X-linked recessive; hence, males are affected while females are carriers.
Severe haemophiliacs suffer from spontaneous haemorrhage and rarely reach adult life. Major injury, surgical trauma and fighting can be life threatening. If an affected male is allowed to be used at stud all his female progeny will carry the affected X chromosome. If these females are used for breeding they in turn will pass on the disease to half of their offspring. Half of the sons from a carrier female will suffer from Haemophila A and half of the daughters will be carriers.
It is possible to screen dog puppys as early as five weeks old, a simple blood test will determine if the dog is Clear or has abnormal levels. Testing female puppies is less accurate.
The German Shepherd Dog Breed Council Survey Scheme insists that all dogs are tested for Haemophilia A.
PERIANAL FISTULAS - ANUL FURUNCULOSIS
Perianal fistulas are chronic and progressive lesions that occur around the anus in dogs. Deep and draining ulcers form, which are painful. The disease may also be referred to as "anal furunculosis."
The exact cause of these fistulas is not known, but is thought to start as an inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands in and around the anus, followed by infection of the area. Abscesses form, open, and then drain. The warm, moist area around the anus and under the tail, and the large numbers of bacteria in the area, make an excellent environment for bacteria to multiply.
Perianal fistulas most commonly occur in middle-aged (5-8 years old) male dogs, but can occur in dogs as young as 1 year and as old as 14 years. German Shepherds are particularly prone to this disease, and in one study accounted for 84% of the dogs diagnosed. This may be due to the larger number of glands in the perianal area when compared to other breeds, or the way the tail is set and carried. German Shepherds are also more prone to immune-mediated diseases, which may be a component of this condition.
A dog with perianal fistulas will often chew or lick the perianal area more frequently, or may scoot his anal area across the floor or ground. A dog with this disease may be constipated, have diarrhoea, or pass stools more frequently. The dog may also have difficulty or show pain on passing stool, strain, have fecal incontinence (cannot control the bowel movements), or have blood in the stool.
Ulcers and bleeding may be seen around the anal area, as well as foul-smelling discharge. The ulcers may be very small, or over several inches in diameter, and may extend up the tail. The anal glands and rectal tissue may also be involved. Some dogs will become lethargic, lose their appetites, and start to lose weight. Because of the discomfort and pain, owners may notice a change in behaviour of the dog. Even lifting the tail may cause extreme pain. The area around the anus may become darker in colour as the chronically inflamed skin develops more pigment.
Surgical treatment of perianal fistulas can be difficult because of the many nerves and blood vessels in the area. In addition, some of the ulcers are very deep. Surgical treatments including removal of the affected tissue, cryosurgery (freezing the tissue), laser surgery, cautery, and even tail amputation have been used. Complications after surgery include fecal incontinence and anal stenosis (scarring of the anal area, making it difficult to pass stool).
Regardless of the treatment used, the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. In most cases the prognosis is guarded to fair, understanding that recurrence is common. In more severe cases, and those involving surgery, fecal incontinence is a major concern.
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