The German Shepherd is an extraordinary dog. It is considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the canine universe. However, such magnificence comes at a price.
And the price this breed has paid is very high: mass breeding by inexperienced breeders who only seek their profit, and not the purity and successive improvement of the breed. For this reason there are serious ailments of genetic origin, as a consequence of mediocre breeding lines.
In this article on our site we will show you the most common diseases of the German shepherd. Take note and visit the vet regularly to prevent its appearance.
Types of diseases and ailments common in the German Shepherd
There are several types of diseases and ailments that afflict the German Shepherd. These disorders can come from the following sources:
- Genetic Origin. Diseases caused by genetic alterations.
- Viral origin. Ailments caused by viruses.
- Bacterial origin. Diseases whose origin is bacteria.
- Parasitic origin. Ailments caused by parasites.
Genetic Origin
The most common diseases with genetic origin that afflict the German Shepherd are:
- Hip dysplasia Common disease among German Shepherds. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joint between the dog's hip and femur. Produces lameness and decalcification. It is a congenital hereditary disease. It can be combated by controlling diet and restricting exercise.
- Glaucoma This hereditary disease is detected at 2 or 3 years of age. The German shepherd's eye hurts and he rubs it with his paw, or against some surface. Intraocular pressure increases and causes pain. The opaque and dilated pupil is a clear symptom of the disease. The ailment is treated by surgery.
Viral origin
The main viral diseases that afflict the German shepherd are:
- Canine parvovirus. Infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea and even bleeding. Dogs should be vaccinated against the disease to prevent it. Otherwise it can become lethal for the can.
- Distemper. Contagious disease that produces cough, dyspnea, mucus, conjunctivitis, fever and other symptoms of decay. There are vaccines against the disease.
Bacterial origin
The most common diseases of bacterial origin that affect the German Shepherd are:
- Leptospirosis. Disease caused by drinking water contaminated with rat urine (puddles, stagnant water). Its symptoms are: cough, vomiting, fever, muscle pain and respiratory problems. There are preventive vaccines.
- Canine brucellosis. Disease caused by the ingestion of infectious waste. It is also transmitted by the venereal route. In males it produces testicular inflammation and sterility. In pregnant females it produces abortions. It is treated with antibiotics.
- Mastitis. It affects females and consists of inflammation of the mammary glands.
- Pyometra. Very serious ailment suffered by bitches. Pus accumulates in the uterine cavity. Requires antibiotic treatment prior to surgery.
Parasitic origin
The German shepherd, like other dog breeds, is exposed to attack by parasites. The most frequent are:
- Pododermatitis. Parasitic disease that causes sores, pus, pain when walking, etc. Excess moisture favors this ailment that must be treated without delay by the veterinarian.
- Demodectic mange. Ailment caused by a mite called Demodex canis. It causes hair loss, itching, inflammation and redness in the epidermis. Veterinary treatment required. It is not contagious to humans.
- Sarcoptic mange. Produced by the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei. The symptoms are: hair loss, inflammation and skin redness. It can infect people. It requires veterinary treatment and deep disinfection of the usual places of the dog.
Prevention, the best tool
Visiting the vet twice a year will be the best way to detect a disease when it appears. Let's not forget that most of the diseases that we have mentioned offer a good diagnosis if they are caught in time. On the other hand, the administration of vaccines for dogs will be essential if we want to protect our dog from a possible bacterial or viral infection. Let's not forget the deworming of the dog, a routine that we will carry out externally once a month and internally every three months.
In the event of any symptoms of joint, internal or any type of pain, we should go to a specialist as soon as possible so that he can offer us a diagnosis and we can start treatment as soon as possible. If you follow these tips, take good care of him and do not force him to excessive exercise, your German Shepherd will enjoy good he alth for years away from the usual German Shepherd diseases.
