German Shepherd - Main diseases
The German Shepherd is a breed that, at the slightest sign
of danger, will defend you at all costs, without considering possible
consequences. Dogs of this breed are often required to assist police officers
in task forces due to their intelligence and extreme agility. Come and discover
the main diseases that threaten the German Shepherd.
Due to this exacerbated demand of the breed for this type of
work, some diseases are increasingly present among its specimens. Problems such
as megaesophagus, hip dysplasia and von Willebrand disease have become
increasingly frequent. Next, we'll talk a little about them.
megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is one of the most dangerous diseases for the
German Shepherd. It occurs when the esophagus is excessively dilated, which
causes peristaltic movements to stop completely or partially. In addition to
the German Shepherd, breeds such as Fox Terrier, Shar Pei, Greyhound and Pug
are predisposed to this condition.
Dogs that have this problem, have difficulty in swallowing,
excessive salivation and change in appetite. There is also a risk that the dog
will regurgitate the ingested food and, by accident, aspirate the regurgitated
content, resulting in aspiration pneumonia.
The diagnosis is made by clinical history and the
veterinarian can count on the help of complementary tests such as
esophagography – where the displacement of the trachea and esophageal
dilatation will be observed.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease occurs when the level of blood factor
VWF is below normal. At this low level, blood clots do not form in normal time.
This blood factor is essential for platelets to clump together in a wound,
starting the healing process. The VWF factor has the function of “glue”, where
it will “join” the platelets in the wound and, without this “glue”, prolonged
bleeding occurs.
In most dogs, Von Willebrand disease is mild and causes no
major problems. However, in some cases, symptoms can be observed such as
bleeding gums and on hot days the nose may bleed for no apparent reason. If
this happens, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is present in many breeds - especially large
ones - and occurs due to malformation in the joints and can be classified into
several stages. This disease can happen by genetic inheritance or acquired
throughout the dog's life due to factors such as obesity and overload of
physical activities.
The treatment and evolution of the clinical picture will
depend on the alterations identified in the radiographic examination.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection that most affects dogs. It
usually occurs in hair-lined sites, sites where repeated traumas occur, or
sites with skin folds and folds. This illness may be primarily related to some
other illness.
In addition to the German Shepherd, breeds such as Bull
Terrier, Great Dane, Boxer and Pinscher have a greater predisposition to
pyoderma – however, any dog, regardless of breed, can develop the disease. The
presence of alopecia, pruritus and purulent secretion (pus) are very
characteristic symptoms.
The diagnosis is made through the dog's clinical history and
complementary exams such as skin scraping, to analyze and identify the bacteria
present, which can differentiate it from other possible diseases that have the
same symptoms.
Treatment is usually done with antibiotics, and if pyoderma
is related to a primary disease that has not been properly treated, there is a
chance of recurrence.
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