German Shepherds Health Results (in our breeding program)
1.Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): is an abnormality in the development of bone from cartilage. As a result, within joints such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hock (ankle), a flap of cartilage can develop causing lameness. The shoulder and elbow are more commonly affected. The development of OCD is secondary to multiple factors, including diet, growth rate, genetics, trauma, hormonal imbalance, and joint architecture.
- As genetics play an important role in the development of OCD, any patient diagnosed with this condition should not be bred. In addition, parents, siblings, or previous offspring of an affected patient should not be bred.
- Best Test Results: free, clear, (0)
- Best Test Results: free, clear, (0)
- Best Test Results: free, clear, (0)
- Best Test Results: free, clear, (0)
2. Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV): is a common congenital and hereditary anomaly in many dog breeds. It predisposes to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral junction, and is a frequent cause of cauda equina syndrome, especially in German shepherd dogs. Lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LTV) are abnormally formed vertebrae of congenital origin. Dogs with LTV are predisposed to premature degeneration of the lumbosacral spine and hip dysplasia due to a weakened sacroiliac attachment. Moreover, LTV has been discussed as a cause of cauda equina syndrome.
3. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a disease affecting the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. The symptoms result from degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. DM is similar to some of the forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
4. Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs: also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a disease affecting the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. The symptoms result from degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. DM is similar to some of the forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.