German Shepard Common Health Problems
German Shepherd Common Health Problems and Costs
It is without a doubt that German shepherds are among the most beloved dogs in the world. These dogs are often noted in films due to their cute appearance and for being strong, energetic, and quite friendly. Even so, they can run into health matters every now and then. There are five health issues that German shepherds are commonly affected by at any age. Taking note on them can be quite helpful to take rapid action in the occasion your pet is suffering from any of the symptoms that accompany these health conditions.
Bloat
It is possible for a German shepherd’s stomach to be filled with food, gas, or fluid. If bloat is left untreated, it can become a serious condition, one that can be fatal. Some of the symptoms that can indicate that your dog is being affected by this condition are pacing, restlessness, swollen abdomen, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, distressful appearance, and attempts to vomit, without success.
Veterinarians tend to resort to surgery to solve this problem. Adequate treatment can cost anywhere between $1,500.00 and $7,500.00. Medications are commonly prescribed afterward to alleviate any discomfort. After proper implementation of treatment, change is often noted right away.
Hemophilia
This is a common blood clotting disorder that is often inherited. It is noted when dogs are young. The most common symptoms are skin hematomas, bleeding from mouth, spontaneous bleeding, and lengthy bleeding from umbilical vessels. It can be a painful condition that should be treated right away.
The best treatment to alleviate hemophilia is repeated substitution therapy, which consists of transfusions of whole plasma or blood until bleeding can be managed. Every transfusion can cost anywhere between $200.00 and $500.00.
Diabetes
The most common symptoms that can determine if your German shepherd is dealing with diabetes are decreased appetite, cloudy eyes, excessive water intake, weight loss that is accompanied with increased appetite, and chronic skin and urinary infections.
Treating diabetes in German shepherds entails lifelong treatment, one that consists of special diets, particular fitness regimen, and daily insulin injections. To treat diabetes, it can run a German shepherd owner between $40.00 and $200.00.
Degenerative Disc Disease
This health problem arises after a traumatic event. It can be due to a fall or even a small jump. It consists of the spontaneous degeneration of the outer part of a disc, resulting in disc herniation or rupture. Fortunately, this health condition can be resolved with an adequate tailored treatment.
German shepherds that have degenerative disc disease are treated with pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain exercise restrictions. Within days, dogs begin to feel better. Nonetheless, in some cases, surgery may be required. It is up to the veterinarian to determine the best treatment path for your beloved dog. Overall, the cost to treat this condition can be anywhere between $1,500.00 and $4,000.00.
Arthritis
This health matter entails the inflammation of the joints. It is a very typical issue among German shepherds. The most common symptoms of arthritis in dogs are a stiff walk, swollen joints, and reluctance to move. They will avoid any playing in hopes to suppress the pain.
There are different options that can be considered to treat arthritis in a German shepherd, including dietary supplements, chondroprotective agents, and anti-inflammatory medication. Treating arthritis in a dog can cost about $300.00 to $400.00 a year.
Taking Changes in Your German Shepherd Seriously
Physical and emotional changes in your dog can come to pass at any time. It is important to take every change seriously because it can help you determine if your dog is being affected by any of the above common health issues. In the rare instance that your dog is a victim of one or more of them, you can save meaningful sums in treatment if you opt for a pet health insurance plan. Overall, this type of insurance is very affordable. It can help your pet progress in meaningful measure, without you having to break the bank. No matter how small a dog is, obtaining pet health insurance is a must. If you stop and think about it . . . it is always better to prevent than lament.