German Shepherds are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and sharp intelligence, making them one of the world’s most beloved dog breeds. However, years of selective breeding have unfortunately predisposed them to a number of health conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life. If you’re considering welcoming a German Shepherd into your home or already share your life with one, understanding these common health issues is crucial for providing the best possible care. It’s important to remember that not every German Shepherd will experience these problems, but they are genetically more susceptible to them.
Joint-Related Health Concerns
A significant number of health issues prevalent in German Shepherds involve their joints. Many of these conditions are congenital, meaning they are present at birth and inherited from the parents. Responsible breeders prioritize health screening to mitigate the risk of passing these conditions on. For those considering adoption, rescue organizations can often provide valuable insights into a dog’s potential health predispositions.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint where the ball and socket do not align correctly. This condition can lead to significant pain, arthritis, and mobility loss in later life. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) reports that a substantial percentage of German Shepherds are affected, making it a leading health concern for the breed. Environmental factors such as diet, weight, and exercise levels can influence the severity of hip dysplasia. While supplements and veterinary care can help manage symptoms, it often requires ongoing management.
Elbow Dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is an inherited condition affecting the elbow joint. It manifests in various forms, all causing pain and lameness. This is another highly prevalent health issue, with a significant percentage of evaluated German Shepherds exhibiting the condition.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Often compared to Lou Gehrig’s disease in humans, degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disorder affecting the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and paralysis. While not painful, it can take a year or more for affected dogs to lose complete use of their back legs. This inherited condition, though less common than hip and elbow dysplasia, is still a significant concern within the breed.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis dissecans involves the separation of diseased cartilage from the underlying bone, most commonly affecting the shoulder joint in German Shepherds, but also potentially the elbow, hip, and knee. It typically appears in rapidly growing puppies between 6 and 9 months of age, and surgical intervention is often necessary.
Panosteitis (Growing Pains)
This painful inflammation affects the long bones in a puppy’s legs and is commonly referred to as “growing pains.” It occurs in rapidly growing breeds like German Shepherds, usually between 2 and 18 months of age. While it can shift between legs and cause significant discomfort, panosteitis typically resolves on its own as the dog approaches two years old. Anti-inflammatory supplements or prescription medications may be needed to manage the pain during flare-ups.
Immune System-Related Health Problems
German Shepherds are also prone to certain immune system disorders, including allergies and various forms of cancer.
Allergies
Allergies are a common complaint in German Shepherds, particularly flea bite allergies and food sensitivities. Canine atopic dermatitis, characterized by itchy skin, dry flakes, hair loss, sores, and secondary bacterial infections, is a frequent manifestation. Pay close attention to your GSD’s face, ears, paws, sides, hind end, legs, and stomach, as these are prime areas for allergic reactions. Understanding common dog skin problems can help owners identify and manage these issues.
Cancer
While cancer can affect any dog, certain types are more prevalent in specific breeds. German Shepherds have an elevated risk for several aggressive cancers:
- Hemangiosarcoma: This cancer arises from the cells lining blood vessels and most commonly affects the spleen, though it can occur elsewhere. Medium to large breeds, including German Shepherds, are at higher risk, and the prognosis is often poor.
- Osteosarcoma: This primary bone cancer disproportionately affects large and giant breeds with rapid growth phases, such as German Shepherds. It frequently develops near growth plates and commonly impacts the hips, elbows, and knees. Survival rates with treatment typically range from one to three years. Research into GSD specific health concerns highlights this as a critical area of awareness.
- Oral Melanoma: German Shepherds, especially those over ten years old, have a slightly increased risk of developing oral melanomas, which are distinct from skin melanomas and not solely linked to sun exposure.
Gastrointestinal Health Issues
Despite their robust appearance, German Shepherds can have sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)
Deep-chested breeds like the German Shepherd are susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood supply. Bloat requires immediate veterinary intervention, as death can occur rapidly if untreated. The risk of bloat increases with age in large breed dogs.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
EPI is a degenerative pancreatic disease that prevents dogs from producing the enzymes necessary for nutrient digestion and absorption, leading to severe malnutrition. Astonishingly, a significant majority of studied EPI cases in one report were in German Shepherds. Dogs with EPI effectively starve despite eating, and require lifelong management. Probiotics can be beneficial in managing secondary bacterial overgrowth.
Other Common Health Concerns
Beyond joint, immune, and digestive issues, other health problems can affect German Shepherds.
Eye Health Problems
Cataracts are a common inherited eye condition in German Shepherds, appearing in puppies as young as eight weeks or in adults up to four years old. While older dogs of any breed can develop age-related cataracts, inherited cataracts are a specific concern for GSDs.
Bleeding Disorders
While hemophilia is sometimes mentioned, Von Willebrand’s disease is the more common bleeding disorder affecting German Shepherds. Most affected dogs have the milder Type 1 version, which can cause spontaneous or excessive bleeding but is rarely fatal. Understanding common disorders in dogs can help owners be prepared for various health challenges.
