German Shepherds are one of the top breeds known to be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This is why it is so important that only dogs with the healthiest hips and elbows are bred to lessen the chance that our dogs will have to endure this or lose years that should have been enjoyed playing ball or just being a best friend.
German Shepherds are also one of the breeds that are at risk for Degenerative Myelopathy(DM.) Anyone who has ever lost a dog to DM will seek out breeders that screen for this horrible crippling disease. DM is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis. It is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord. It presents first with the loss of coordination of the hind legs. It will typically worsen over six months to a year, resulting in paralysis of the hind legs. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually, weakness will develop in the front limbs. Testing to ensure that only healthy dogs are bred will insure healthy, happy puppies as well as less veterinary bills later.
