Health Conditions In German Shepherds

Health Conditions In German Shepherd Dogs

While generally a robust breed, the German Shepherd Dog is predisposed to a number of health conditions. Health testing is essential to reducing disease incidence and improving quality of life for German Shepherds. Haus Mahr German Shepherds & Training is committed to health testing.

Orthopedic & Structural Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a heritable malformation of the hip joint that leads to joint laxity and degenerative arthritis.
Signs: Limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump or rise
Management: Weight control, physical therapy, medications, and surgery in severe cases

Screening for Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds is most frequently done through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP).

OFA evaluates the appearance of a dog’s hip joints using X-rays, usually when the dog is 2 years or older. OFA assigns a grade of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild, Moderate, or Severe based on the the subjective opinions of the radiologists that review the X-rays.

PennHIP measures the looseness of the hip joints through X-rays and provides a Distraction Index (DI) between 0 and 1. The DI indicates the risk of developing arthritis. The DI is compared to other dogs in the breed. PennHIP can be done on dogs as young as 16 weeks of age and is highly accurate because it is based on mathematical calculations, not subjective opinions.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia is a group of developmental elbow joint abnormalities common in large breed dogs including German Shepherds.
Signs: Forelimb lameness, outward rotation of paws, pain on movement
Management: Medical or surgical intervention depending on severity

Screening for Elbow Dysplasia in German Shepherds is most frequently done through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The OFA evaluates the appearance of a dog’s elbows using X-rays, usually when the dog is 2 years or older. OFA assigns a grade of Normal, DJD I (Mild), DJD II (Moderate) or DJD III (Severe) based on the the subjective opinions of the radiologists that review the X-rays.

Screening for Elbow Dysplasia can also be done through Computed Tomography (CT). CT scans show more detail in the bone and are generally considered more accurate than X-rays.

Neurological & Genetic Disorders

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy is progressive spinal cord disease causing paralysis. It is similar to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease in humans.
Genetics: Autosomal recessive, DNA testing through Embark is essential and per the OFA, carriers can be bred to clear dogs
Management: No cure, supportive care and mobility assistance

Epilepsy

Epilepsy causes recurrent seizures with no identifiable structural cause.
Genetics: Suspected hereditary component in some lines
Management: Lifelong anticonvulsant therapy and monitoring

Pituitary Dwarfism

Pituitary Dwarfism is a congenital endocrine disorder causing stunted growth and abnormal development.
Genetics: Autosomal recessive, DNA testing through Embark is essential and carriers must be bred to clear dogs
Signs: Puppy-like appearance, hair loss, and delayed maturation
Management: Hormone therapy

MDR1 (Multidrug Resistance 1)

Multidrug Resistance is caused by a mutation of the ABCB1 gene affecting drug transport across the blood–brain barrier.

Risks: Severe neurological toxicity from certain medications (ivermectin, loperamide, some anesthetics).
Management: DNA testing through Embark is essential and carriers must be bred to clear dogs, medication avoidance or dose adjustment

Metabolic, Urinary & Gastrointestinal Conditions

Hyperuricosuria (HUU)

Hyperuricosuria is a genetic defect in uric acid metabolism caused by a mutation in the SLC2A9 gene.
Risks: Uric acid bladder or kidney stones
Management: DNA testing through Embark is essential and carriers must be bred to clear dogs, special diet, increased water intake, medications when indicated

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat)

GDV is a life-threatening twisting of the stomach.
Prevention: Smaller meals, slow feeding, avoiding exercise after eating, prophylactic gastropexy

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

EPI is serious digestive disorder that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down food.
Signs: Weight loss, diarrhea, increased appetite
Management: Lifelong enzyme supplementation and dietary management

Immune-Mediated & Skin Conditions

Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis & Food Sensitivities)

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases occur in some lines of German Shepherds.
Signs: Itching, paw licking, recurrent ear infections
Management: Diet trials, medications, allergen control

Perianal Fistulas (Anal Furunculosis)

Perianal Fistulas are painful immune-mediated lesions around the anus.
Breed risk: High in German Shepherds
Management: Immunosuppressive therapy, diet changes, or surgery in severe cases

Eye Conditions

Pannus (Chronic Superficial Keratitis)

Pannus is caused by immune-mediated corneal inflammation that can lead to vision loss.
Management: Lifelong topical therapy, UV protection

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is an inherited retinal degeneration causing progressive blindness.
Management: No cure

Cardiac Conditions

German Shepherds are affected by several congenital and inherited cardiac disorders, some of which may not cause signs until the condition is advanced.

Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmias

Abnormal ventricular heart rhythms may cause collapse or sudden death in German Shepherds.
Signs: Exercise intolerance, fainting, sudden weakness
Diagnosis: ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography
Management: Anti-arrhythmic medications and lifelong monitoring

Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Mitral Valve Dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the mitral valve causing abnormal blood flow.
Signs: Heart murmur, exercise intolerance, heart failure in severe cases
Management: Cardiac monitoring and medical therapy as needed

Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

SAS is a congenital narrowing below the aortic valve obstructing blood flow.
Signs: Murmur, weakness, collapse, sudden death during exertion
Management: Monitoring for mild cases, medication and activity restriction for severe cases

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is a disease of the heart muscle in which the heart becomes enlarged (dilated) and the walls of the heart chambers become thin and weak.
Signs: Lethargy, coughing, fainting
Management: Lifelong cardiac medications and monitoring

Rare Genetic & Developmental Disorders

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII / Sly Syndrome)

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of β-glucuronidase.
Signs: Skeletal deformities, stunted growth, corneal clouding, organ enlargement
Management: Supportive care only, poor prognosis
Breeding: DNA testing through Embark is essential and carriers must be bred to clear dogs

Chronic Ear Conditions

Otitis Externa (Chronic Ear Infections)

Chronic ear infections are often secondary to allergies or moisture.
Prevention: Routine ear care and prompt treatment