Health Concerns

Dog Health: Due to the breed's versatility, the GSD has become a very popular pet. This is a mixed blessing. While many people truly enjoy the pleasure a well-bred and well-trained GSD adds to their lives, others have been attracted to the breed primarily to make money. A well-bred GSD is a remarkable dog, but a GSD from a disreputable breeder, accidental breeding, or someone trying to recoup their initial investment, can be a nightmare. Without careful consideration of genetic, temperament, and physical characteristics, the resulting litter can be plagued with serious health and temperament problems.

Health disorders (some genetic) seen in GSDs (some are explained in more detail below):

Key:

d = dominant
r = recessive
p = polygenic
% = may not always be genetic
^ = suspected genetic
? = unknown

achalasia (r)
dilated esophagus; vomiting begins at weaning
ankylosis (?)
fusing of vertebrae in tail (or spine) reducing range of motion
aubaortic stenosis (?)
bilateral cataract (d)
opague lens form in both eyes, usually after 2 years
calcium gout (^)
calcium gout, lumps in skin caused by calcium deposits
(calcinosis circumscripta)
cerebellar hypoplasia (^)
abnormal gait and loss of control starting at 12 weeks
chronic pancreatitis (^)
lack of enzymes that digest fat and protein;
chronic weight loss
cleft lip and palate (%)
nonclosure of bones of upper jaw and roof of mouth
corneal dermoid cyst (^)
congenital cyst on eye surface
cryptorchidism (^)
undescended testicle(s)
cystinuria (r)
high cystine in urine; prone to stone formation (males only)
degenerative myelopathy (?)
spinal degeneration in older dogs
(Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyleopathy - CDRM)
diabetes mellitus (r)
onset of insulin deficiency at 2-6 months
distichiasis (^)
extra row of eyelashes irritate eye
ectasia (r)
optic nerve/retina abnormalities (aka "Collie eye")
elbow dysplasia (d)
progressive developmental deformity of elbow joints,
symptomless to crippling
(see ununited anchoneal process)
may be polygenic
eosinophilic colitis (^)
chronic bouts of diarrhea
eosinophilic myositis (?)
acute, relapsing inflammation of the muscles
epilepsy (r)
recurrent seizures onset between 1-3 years old
hemophelia a (r)
(factor VIII deficiency) slowed blood clotting, hemorrhages
hip dysplasia (p)
progressive developmental deformity of hip joints,
symptomless to crippling
intervertebral disc disease (^)
slipped disc, pain, weakness to paralysis of limbs
malabsorption syndrome (^)
inability to absorb digested food leads to starvation
nictitating membrane eversion (r)
third eyelid rolls back; treated surgically
osteochondritis dessicans (^)
growth disorder of shoulder cartilage; pain, lameness (OCD)
pannus (^)
vessels, skin and pigment migrate over eye surface, leading to blindness
panosteitis (^)
acute shifting lameness of growing dogs,
deep bone pain,
self-limiting
patent ductus arteriosus (p)
aortal development defect in fetus,
loud heart murmur,
exercise intolerant
perianal fistuala (^)
open draining tracts around anus
peripheral vestibular disease (?)
defect of the middle ear causing puppies to circle
pituitary dwarfism (^)
normally proportioned dwarf, mentally retarded, usually fatal
renal cortical hypoplasia (^)
degeneration of both kidneys, beginning at about 1 year
retinal atrophy (^)
(generalized) PRA
retina degenerates causing first night blindness then total blindness
right aortic arch (p)
abnormal artery constricts esophagus, vomiting
soft ears (r)
weak ear musculature
spondylosis deformans (^)
spinal arthritis
ununited anchoneal process (d)
elbow dysplasia; pain and limp in front legs
von Willebrand's disease (d)
bleeding disorder

Detail for some disorders mentioned above...

Degenerative Myelopathy
This condition is relatively common among GSDs. It can appear in a young dog, but generally appears from middle age. The degeneration occurs over time, beginning with hind limb weakness. Eventually other weakness can occur, including the lower portion of the esopheogus, which makes complete swallowing difficult and can lead to recurrent pneumonias. Although initial signs resemble hip dysplasia, in actuality, it is the degeneration of the spinal cord rather than hip joints.

Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is characterized by an onset of severe lameness at between 4 and 6 months of age. It almost always affects only one of the elbows but occasionally will affect both. There are three different types of elbow dysplasia: UAP (ununited anconeal process), FCP (fractured coronoid process), and OCD (osteochondrosis). OCD more resembles arthritis in the elbow that may or may not be brought on by trauma or looseness of ligamentation at the elbow. Final diagnosis can only be made by radiograph. OFA now certifies elbows as well as hips. (See OFA Information and Statistics)

Epilepsy
This may possibly be genetically transmitted. At the least, the tendency exists in a few lines. The disorder may not express itself until the dog is about three to four years old. There is no way of testing for the disease until the dog has a seizure. (cm)

Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint is not constructed properly, usually with a shallow acetabulum. Dysplastic dogs can vary from minor problems to severe dislocation of the hips. This condition is generally considered to be inherited. Breeding stock should be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified (look for an OFA number) or given an "A" certificate if from Germany. (Canada OVC) Current statistics indicate that over 20% of x-rays sent in for OFA certification fail. (See OFA Information and Statistics.)

Although HD is thought to have a genetic base, pedigree, diet, exercise and so forth can play a role in the extent that the dog exhibits a existing predisposition to HD. Even dogs from long lines of certified parents can still produce HD puppies. The inheritance factor of HD is not fully known. This is why it has so far been impossible to eradicate the condition and why even pups from long lines of certified parents can still have HD. However, pups from generations of certified dogs are less likely to have HD.

There is recent information on HD from Cornell's Animal Health Newsletter that specifically discusses the latest HD info (as of March, 1994). Although I have chosen to not include it here (due to length), HD is a prevalent problem and big issue in GSD breeding. The more you read about HD, the better. -hs
Pannus
(Chronic Superficial Keratitis (inflammation)) Pannus is an eye condition in which blood vessels grow onto the cornea. It can lead to blindness if untreated. It is not curable, but is controllable with medication. Some studies suggest an autoimmune problem. (lm)

Panosteitis
(Commonly called "long bone disease," "wandering lameness," or simply "pano.") Generally seen between 5-12 months of age, it is caused by excessive bone production on the long bones. Dogs will generally grow out of the problem, but it is a painful condition. Pano is, for unknown reasons, common in GSDs. If the dog is x-rayed during a bout of pano, lesions on the growth plates will be visible. However, pano leaves no lasting ill affects on a dog. Diet is thought to play a role. High protein puppy diets may make the puppy grow too fast and increase the chance of the pup experiencing pano (sometimes described as "growing pains"). Pano is also called "Shifting Leg Lameness" as it can show up in any leg and may come and go without warning. Pups usually completely outgrow Pano by 18 months. Enforced rest is usually prescribed. Painkillers are contraindicated since the pup will play more without pain, and may exacerbate the condition.

Peripheral Vestibular Disease
A congenital defect of the middle ear. Puppies will generally circle in an unbalanced way, holding their head back or to one side. Dogs rarely recover, and as afflicted adults, there will still be some head tilt.

Soft Ears
Though all GSDs are born with floppy ears, normal ears will begin to stand erect in the 2nd or 3rd month. Some ears will never develop the musculature to stand erect. This is an inherited recessive trait. Though soft ears primarily affects a dog's showability (hanging ears are a disqualification), soft-eared GSDs are also more prone to ear infections.

Von Willebrand's Disease
A blood disease that can include mucosal bleeding. It is an inherited dominant condition. Requires clinical blood testing to distinguish it from other conditions. Results of breeding two VWD dogs are lethal. VWD is autosomal and not sex-linked.

NOTE: Although these disorders are found in GSDs, they are not necessarily found only in GSDs, nor are they necessarily common. Though this 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/knowledgeable about these conditions and does their best to keep their breeding program free of these problems.

OFA Information and Statistics on GSD Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (rn*)

The OFA's home page and database (interactive queries) is at http://206.29.98.50/ofa/index2.htm

This section is Copyright (c) 1995 by Robin Nuttall and may not be posted, printed or reproduced in any medium without explicit written permission of the author. Robin may be reached at robin_nuttall@muccmail.missouri.edu.
Hip Dysplasia
 GSDs are listed as 23rd of 100 breeds having at least 100 evaluations, tested between January 1974 and January 1995. 

German Shepherd Dog:  46,089 tested
                        2.8% tested excellent
                       20.8% tested dysplastic
 
GSD whelped 1972-80:    2.5% tested excellent
                       20.7% tested dysplastic
 
GSD whelped 1991-92:    4.1% tested excellent
                       16.8% tested dysplastic
GSDs reduced the frequency of HD by 10-20% between 1974 and 1995. Only 4 breeds increased the frequency of HD: Afgan hound, Flat-coated Retriever, Kerry Blue Terrier and Komondor.

OFA's Recommended Breeding Principals

  1. Breed normals to normals
  2. Breed normals with normal ancestry
  3. Breed normals from litters with a low incidence of HD
  4. Select a sire that produces a low incidence of HD
  5. Replace dogs with dogs that are better than the breed average
OFA is especially interested/concerned in HD in littermates. Their contention is that a dog with excellent hips that has littermates with HD is a poorer breeding prospect than a dog with fair hips whose littermates have no HD.

Elbow Dysplasia
Sixteen breeds have had at least 75 individuals tested as of December 31, 1994. These are divided by sex, % dysplastic and % of each grade of dysplasia. Because different breeds have different numbers that have been tested, it is hard to assign a "most dysplastic" number to them. Note: In all breeds, more bitches have been tested than males, yet in almost every case, dogs have had a higher incidence of ED.

GSD:  Females:  2940 tested
               18.2% dysplastic...  68.7% Grade I
                                    22.0% Grade II
                                     9.3% Grade III
      Males:    2156 tested
               23.9% dysplastic...  67.2% Grade I
                                    20.9% Grade II
                                    11.8% Grade III
Grade I: minimal bone change on the aconeal process
Grade II: additional subchondral bone changes and/or osteophytes
Grade III: well developed degenerative joint disease

Categories for Dysplasia
      Normal (receive OFA certification numbers)
             Excellent
             Good
             Fair
      Borderline (recommend repeat study in 6-8 months)
      Dysplastic
             Mild
             Moderate
             Severe

OFA Number Interpretation

Numbers are interpreted as follows: BBBxxxPmmS-T

BBB
Breed code
xxx
Ascending numerical order of normal individuals assigned a breed registry number
P
Phenotypic evaluation (observational evaluation)
mm
Age in months when evaluation was done
S
Sex of individual
T
Tattooed

Given the example number EPT100G24M-T, it would represent: 

EPT - A Pointer
100 - The 100th Pointer to be evaluated
G   - Evaluated as Good
24  - 24 months old at the time of evaluation
M   - Male
T   - Tattooed

Correction of Anecdotal Misinformation

  1. There are no environmental factors which cause HD.
  2. There is no evidence in the scientific literature that megadoses of vitamin C or any other supplement is beneficial in reducing the effects of HD. (Note from Robin: other OFA publications indicate these megadoses may be harmful.)
  3. High caloric intake resulting in rapid growth and increased weight gain may exacerbate changes in dysplastic hips but will not create hip dysplasia.
  4. Exercise, running, jumping up and down, and slick floors will not cause HD.
  5. Prior injuries to the femurs and/or pelvis may be detected radiographically and are taken into account when evaluating hip status.

    Suggestions

    1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Prospective buyers should check pedigrees for OFA numbers prior to purchasing a dog. If an OFA number cannot be verified assume the dog to be dysplastic until proven otherwise.
    2. PRELIMINARY EVALUATIONS: Can be performed as early as 4-5 months of age and OFA evaluations are about 90% accurate when compared to follow-ups at 24 months of age.
    3. ANESTHEISA: Is not required by OFA but is recommended.
    4. HORMONAL EFFECT: Some female dogs show subluxation when radiographed around an estrus cycle which is not apparent when re-radiographed in anestrus. The OFA recommends radiographing 3-4 weeks before or after a heat period or 3-4 weeks after weaning a litter of pups.
    5. FILM COPIES: Due to optical archiving the OFA can no longer supply copies of films. If a copy is necessary ask your veterinarian to insert 2 films in the cassette prior to making the exposure. This will require about a 15% increase in the kVp to make an exact duplicate of the radiograph sent to OFA.
    This latest information comes from the pamphlet "Hip Registry".

    Great Health Resource
    NEUTERING MALE AND FEMALE DOGS
    Breed Specific Healthcare Issues
    Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
    Megaesophagus
    Mange Mites - Demodex
    Ear Hematoma
    Ear Hematoma
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