Our lovely resident, Savvy, has DLE. What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)? Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in dogs is a skin disorder caused by the immune system attacking the skin, especially the nose, lips, and areas around the eyes. This condition causes long-lasting skin problems, such as red patches, scaling, sores, and crusts. The cause of DLE involves a mix of genetics, immune system problems, and environmental triggers. When examining the affected skin, veterinarians can see thickened skin, inflammation, and immune system cells in the affected areas. Different immune system problems contribute to the ongoing skin issues in dogs with DLE, including abnormal activation of certain immune cells, which release chemicals that attract more inflammatory cells. DLE should be differentially diagnosed from other canine dermatoses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), or cutaneous leishmaniosis due to their overlapping clinical presentations. Prompt diagnosis relies on comprehensive clinical evaluation encompassing thorough physical examination along with histopathological analysis of skin biopsies. Symptoms: Hair loss and thinning coat Scaly and crusty skin lesions Redness and inflammation on the nose, ears, lips, and face Ulcers or sores on the skin Itching and scratching Sensitivity to sunlight Causes and Risk Factors: The etiology and risk factors associated with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) in canines are multifactorial and complex. Certain dog breeds, like German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Collies, and Shetland Sheepdogs, are more likely to have DLE because of their genes. This means that there may be specific gene differences that affect their immune system or how their skin cells work. Environmental triggers also significantly influence the onset and severity of DLE. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure has been identified as a prominent environmental factor leading to disease progression in dogs with DLE. The UV rays can induce DNA damage and trigger an inflammatory response within the skin, exacerbating the pathological changes associated with this condition. Furthermore, hormonal imbalances, specifically estrogen and progesterone fluctuations in female dogs, have been suggested as potential risk factors for developing DLE. These hormonal changes may modulate immune responses or alter keratinocyte function, contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Diagnosis and Treatment Options: To determine if you have DLE, your veterinarian will need to perform a skin biopsy. They will use a special tool called a punch biopsy to take a small sample from the affected area. This tool allows them to remove a tiny, circular section of your skin for examination. Treatment options for DLE in dogs aim to reduce inflammation, control immune responses, and manage bacterial infections. Topical therapies, like corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, are commonly used as initial treatment. More severe cases may require medications taken orally, such as immunosuppressants, antibiotics, or retinoids. It is also important to protect the dog from sunlight and apply sunscreen to prevent the worsening of lesions caused by UV radiation. Prevention and Management Strategies: To prevent DLE, it is important to avoid things that can trigger it, like UV radiation and certain medications. Protecting your dog from the sun by using sunscreen and avoiding the sun during the hottest times of the day can help. It is also helpful to know if your breed is more likely to develop DLE, so genetic screening can be useful. To manage DLE in dogs, different treatments may be utilized. This includes medicines and other methods. One common medicine is corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and help with healing. Dogs may also be given immunosuppressants like azathioprine or cyclosporine to control the immune response and improve symptoms. Alongside these treatments, adding omega-3 fatty acids to the dog's diet can help reduce inflammation caused by DLE. Overall, an integrated approach encompassing preventative measures alongside a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual cases holds substantial promise for efficiently managing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus in dogs. By adopting these strategies, veterinarians can provide optimal care and enhance the quality of life for canine patients affected by this challenge. Living with a Dog with DLE: Living with a canine companion diagnosed with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) poses unique challenges that necessitate a comprehensive understanding of this autoimmune disorder. To effectively navigate life with a dog afflicted by DLE, owners must prioritize veterinary care. Regular consultations are essential for accurate diagnosis, assessment of lesion severity, and adjustment of treatment strategies to achieve optimal outcomes. Additionally, to manage DLE, it's important to make changes in the living environment. Owners should try to reduce exposure to things that make symptoms worse and cause flare-ups. These things can include sunlight, hot or cold temperatures, allergens, and irritants in certain foods or chemicals. So, it's necessary to take preventive measures like providing shaded areas outside, wearing protective clothing or sunscreen when in the sun, keeping the indoor temperature comfortable, and using hypoallergenic grooming products. These measures help to lessen the impact of DLE. Outlook for Dogs with DLE: The prognosis for canines affected by Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is contingent upon various factors, including the severity and extent of the condition, individual response to treatment, and the presence of concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus. Long-term care is important for dogs with DLE. Regular check-ups are needed to monitor the disease, see how the treatment is working, and make any necessary changes. Dog owners should watch out for complications like infections or systemic lupus erythematosus. Vets and caretakers need to work together to help dogs with DLE.

Have you had the misfortune of witnessing your senior German Shepherd suffers from allergies? If you answered yes, you're probably all too familiar with the ramifications that allergies cast on you and your stricken fur friend as you desperately try to solve the mystery of the often insidious affliction at work sooner rather than sooner than later. Allergies in your senior German Shepherd are no fun for anyone. Not for him. Not for you. or anyone else in constant company with your itchy, gray-muzzled fur friend, including any other fur friends in the home. Trust me when I say that it's hard to watch your senior German Shepherd perpetually do any of the following: * Itch like crazy and scratch patches of fur out in the process * Sneezing and reverse sneezing * Stinky ears with or without yucky discharge * Yeasty, smelly, often greasy coat * Blackened, flaky and greasy skin* Crusty and or runny eyes * Chewing or licking certain spots on his body * Red, irritated hot spots anywhere on their body * Unexplained GI upset that seems to come and go for no apparent reason turns out to be allergies These are just a few of the unwanted effects that allergies produce in your fur friend, which are surely causing a great deal of discomfort and misery within the boundaries of their old, furry bodies with no real relief in sight. What's more, as they are suffering, you feel helpless and maybe even confused as to what's causing your senior German Shepherd's body to declare war on itself and what you can do to stop the vicious assault so that your fur friend can live in peace throughout his golden years. We here at Woody's Place know all too well what it's like to deal with allergies in our senior German Shepherd residents and have even taken in senior German Shepherds JUST BECAUSE of allergies. That's right, just because of allergies. Our Mr. Atticus was surrendered to us because his allergies were so out of control that his owner could no longer afford to treat him for his allergies. Just look at the picture below of him before arriving at the sanctuary and after about a year of being in our care. Atticus was flat-out miserable when he came to us in December of 2018 at the ripe age of nine years old. I mean, look at his before picture. Does it say it all, or what? Immediately after taking possession of him on that cold winter's day, we drove Atticus right to Carbondale Veterinary Hospital, where they kept him overnight because he was in such bad shape. In fact, his right eye was so messy due to discharge, infection, and pressure that we thought he would lose it. Fortunately, that did not happen. As you can see from the "before" photo, not only were his eyes a mess, particularly the right eye, but so were his ears, especially the right ear, his skin, and his nose. Yes. Even his nose was crusted over with open sores on it. Poor boy. :( It took us over a year to finally get his diet right and get his body to stop attacking itself, so Atticus could feel comfortable and live a happy life, and I'm happy to report he is doing just that. That's not to say we don't have bouts with allergies in Atticus from time to time because we do. But when we do, they are short-lived and never as bad as what he once experienced. So what did we do to make sure Atticus was no longer suffering from allergies? It was lots of trial and error until we got it right, but the main thing we did was change his diet drastically. We here at Woody's Place are huge proponents of natural, human-grade, whole foods instead of ultra-processed dog kibble, treats, and such. The reason being is that we have seen with our own eyes senior German Shepherds in our care come in looking like Atticus, who was fed an ultra-processed (kibble) diet his whole life, and well...frankly, look like crap, to changing his diet to a whole food, minimally processed diet and look great! That being said, we still can not afford to do ALL home-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals for every dog in our care at every meal, so we do a 70/30 split, where 70% of the time they get home-cooked and 30% of the time they get kibble and canned. We also do lots of protein treats, like buffalo lung filets, instead of ultra-processed treats like milk bones that have lots of fillers and absolutely no nutritional value. For those who want to know, 30% of the time, Atticus gets Canine Caviar Duck kibble and canned. The rest of the time, it's home-cooked. Nonetheless, changing his diet was our golden ticket. Eventually, his eyes, face, ears, nose, skin, and coat cleared up as best they could. Sadly, he still has bald spots and black skin on both his rear outer thigh area, which were so badly damaged that they will never get 100% better in what's left of his lifetime. I should add that we also use supplements regularly to keep allergies at bay. When your fur friend has allergies, it's important to boost his gut health since most of his immune system is in his gut, so we are sure to incorporate probiotics with every meal. We also use coconut oil regularly, which can improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions, as well as turmeric, which has naturally occurring antihistamine properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, we include an omega-3 fatty acid in their diets as well. You can check out our blog post on supplements we use here => https://www.wpsgss.org/post/five-supplements-that-benefit-our-senior-german-shepherds Food is just one of the areas we dive deep into when it comes to figuring out what is causing a persistent allergic reaction in any of our senior German Shepherd residents, but sometimes it doesn't end there. Other causes for allergies in our fur friends can be environmental. Did you know that your dog could be allergic to dust mites, grasses, trees, pollen, mold, and mildew, just like you and I? Well, he can....even to fleas. Can you imagine not being able to speak or effectively communicate that you're itchy and your skin is on fire because of something that touches your skin 24/7? I can't either, and I feel awful for dogs that I see who are clearly suffering from allergies, yet their owner fails to notice their dog's cry for help. Atopic dermatitis or environmental allergies is one of your dog's biggest causes of itchiness. Still, sometimes you can't control his environment the way you would like to in order to rid him of allergies, so what can you do? Aside from the obvious, Allergy tests, over the counter or prescription antihistamines like Benadryl or Apoquel, you can do any or a combination of the following: * Bath your fur friend regularly with a hypoallergenic shampoo to calm his inflamed skin and wash off the allergens. * Raw Apple Cider vinegar rinse (after bath before drying, rinse dog with ½ cup apple cider vinegar & 1 cup filtered water, then pat dry) * Let your dog soak in an oatmeal bath to calm the skin * Use an antiviral and antibacterial topical spray * Reduce your fur friend's exposure to environmental allergens * Get a Pet Wellness scan to check for food and environment sensitivities. You can purchase a scan at: https://glacierpeakholistics.com/collections/allergies-in-dogs/products/pet-wellness-life-stress-scan-1 Like with any dog, as you can see, allergies in senior German Shepherds can be quite complex. Allergies can be brought on by diet, environment, genetics, or a combination of the three, so figuring out the cause is no easy undertaking. Still, there is hope.....just look at the picture above again of our Atticus. We like to treat our senior German Shepherds as holistically as possible with the tips we mentioned in this blog post, but if we need to, we don't hesitate to seek medical help from our veterinarian team at Carbondale. Sometimes, we start treating allergies medically until we get them under control and then incorporate a diet change, address environmental factors, and take it from there. Whatever it takes to keep our seniors comfortable, happy, and allergy-free is what we do. :) To listen to the coinciding podcast, click on the link: https://bit.ly/3Ww1Ri4 ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian. This post contains affiliate links.

As your German Shepherd ages, you may notice his stamina isn't quite what it used to be. Perhaps he loved going for a ride, but now he struggles to get in and out of the car. Or, on any given afternoon, you would typically find him up on the sofa taking a nap, but lately, he's been lying on the floor. These are all signs that your senior German Shepherd may be experiencing discomfort due to arthritis, an ongoing battle with hip/elbow dysplasia, or perhaps he has disk disease that prohibits him from enjoying his life to the fullest. As he ages, the reasons become more significant for why he may not be as spry as he once was, even though we try our best to keep him active and comfortable. Like us, time takes its toll on our fur friend's joints. Fortunately, there are several tools we can utilize to combat his discomfort, from different therapies to better food sources to supplements and even pharmaceuticals. We here at the sanctuary recognize there is a time and place for everything. So even though we try to treat our senior German Shepherd residents as holistically as possible, there comes a time when we WILL use pharmaceuticals such as NSAIDs and even stronger medications to help with moderate to severe pain, with the potential side effects in mind. But until we get to that point, we have several tools in our arsenal to help combat achy joints in our old fur friends, such as high-quality, full-spectrum CBD oil (we use Dr. HempDog, Antinol (green-lipped mussel), turmeric golden paste, and occasionally a few other supplements. We've used turmeric the longest and have seen notable results in several of our senior German Shepherd residents. In case you don't know, Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and antioxidant properties, particularly when mixed with coconut oil and black pepper. Turmeric is a fat-soluble spice, so to reap the benefits, it must be mixed with a medium-chain triglyceride such as coconut oil so the body can absorb it. Additionally, black pepper is used to also aid in absorption. So how do we give our senior German Shepherd residents turmeric? Sometimes we incorporate it in their home-cooked food, but other times when we don't cook, we make golden paste in advance and put it in with their kibble and topper. Here's our recipe for golden past: Ingredients: 2 cup water 1 cup Organic Turmeric 1/2 cup Organic, cold-pressed & unrefined coconut oil 3 teaspoons black pepper (This recipe can be halved.....we have a lot of residents, so we make a bigger batch.) Directions: 1. Combine water and turmeric in a medium pot. Stir the mixture continuously to a c creamy paste over medium to low heat for approximately 8 - 10 minutes. 2. Once the mixture is smooth, remove from heat and proceed to mix in the coconut oil and black pepper until thoroughly blended. 3. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, pour or ladle into a heat-proof glass canning jar, such as a Mason jar. Place lid on jar. 4. Keep in the refrigerator upon cooling. Golden paste stays fresh for up to 3 weeks. If you are not using it right away, you can freeze the golden paste in an ice cube tray or silicone mold. You can watch how we make it on YouTube: Notes: * Start your dog off with 1/4 tsp per meal. After that, larger dogs can have 1 TBSP. with each meal. * Turmeric stains, so use caution when making this recipe. * If your dog has gallbladder issues, diabetes, or issues with thin blood, DO NOT use this recipe. (Right-click to download or screenshot)

Grief is the word that immediately comes to mind when confronted with the passing of a Woody’s Place resident. I would imagine it’s the same for you if you’ve experienced the loss of a beloved fur friend. But believe it or not, the feelings associated with grief may be far-fetched for some when it comes to the passing of a dog. In fact, some don't feel anything at all except for the relief of one less responsibility to deal with, and in my mind, I imagine that those people are the people who would say to someone who just lost their dog….”What’s the big deal? It’s just a dog. Just go get another.” I cringe just writing that. Like a doctor who lakes empathy, some don’t get grieving over the passing of a beloved fur friend. To that I say, do yourself a favor, and don’t listen to those people. But rather, feel the way you need to feel when your fur friend passes, and take as much time as you need. Grief is a personal experience with no rules or limits, so, however you grieve or however long you grieve, is okay. I feel grief, lots of grief when any of the Woody’s Place residents pass away. I cry till my head hurts. I can’t talk with anyone for a while, eat, or even remember to drink water. I just want to curl up in a ball on the floor with the other dogs and curse the universe for taking away something that meant so much to me. Admittedly, that’s a pretty ugly picture. And it’s only compounded if I have to make the decision to have a Woody’s Place resident euthanized. Then I’m just downright inconsolable for some time, even though I know it’s the best possible outcome for the resident. The truth is. I can’t be an “ice princess,” like others I’ve witnessed, and I don’t want to be. I have feelings. Real feelings that need to be expressed so I can move on and help other senior German Shepherds in need. Having to euthanize a Woody’s Place resident dog is classic anticipatory grief. It’s “the knowing” grief is coming and there is no way around it. It’s the worst part of sanctuary life and, in my experience, it's something you can’t prepare for, try as you might. Then there’s grief over a tragic death. As if anticipatory grief wasn't bad enough, tragic death can cause intense grief because it comes on so suddenly. We have experienced this with our resident cats here at the sanctuary. One of my cats was only about two years old when I found him dead in our driveway. I don’t know if he was poisoned or what, but I was shocked to find him out of the blue, dead. He has unexpectedly ripped away from us, leaving us no time to anticipate his coming departure from this earth. In instances like this, not only are you suddenly flooded with feelings of grief but also shock and despair as well. But no matter if it is sudden or anticipated, grief is a personal experience. For some, grief is constant for a day or so then subsides. But for others, it ebbs and flows for weeks, even months on end. And even when one might think that they are past grieving, something comes up, perhaps the anniversary of the dog’s passing, that brings feelings of grief rushing to the surface again. And grieving isn’t just for adults. Children can experience grief over the loss of a beloved fur friend too. They may not grieve the same as an adult, and depending on their age, they may not even know how to express their grief, so it’s our job as parents to help them along by letting them see you grieve. Explain to them what you are feeling and why and that it’s okay to feel sad over your fur friend's passing. Maybe if people, in general, taught their children that it’s perfectly natural to grieve the loss of their fur friend, then there wouldn’t be such a stigma around it. But what if you have other dogs in the house. Do they grieve too? Yes, they do. Not all, but some do. Dogs that live together form bonds. They are pack animals, so to think that when one passes, the others won’t be affected is silly. Think of our Woody’s Place residents Atticus and Brandi. If you follow along with our social media, then you know those two are inseparable. When either one of them passes, the other will undoubtedly realize and grieve the loss of their friend. Here’s a tip to help the dogs remaining in the household understand where their friend has gone. Let them see and smell the deceased dog if possible. Seriously. Let them investigate, and you will see as they do so, they are processing what has happened because dogs understand death, and when they realize their friend is gone, they don’t go searching for him, which is an act they may do if they don't know what happened to their friend. We’ve allowed our living residents to view deceased residents throughout the history of Woody’s Place, and it works. When you are grieving the loss of your fur friend, it’s essential to be kind to yourself. Take the day off if you can. Take two! Talk with others if you feel the need to or don’t. Lay on the sofa curled up in a ball all day clutching your fur friend’s blanket if that’s where your grief takes you, but if feelings of grief go on too long to the point that it becomes unhealthy, then you may need to seek professional help. Now, I’m sure at this point there are some reading this who think, “curled up in a ball on the sofa hugging a dead dog’s blanket?? That's so ridiculous!” Oh, I can just hear them now. But the truth is, for many, dogs are family members, beloved family members. Heck! For some, their dogs are more family than actual family or the only family they have. So yes, the passing of their fur friend is downright devastating, and perhaps curling up on the sofa clutching that blanket is what will them help express their grief. Personally, I turn to the other residents here at Woody’s Place and focus on all the good times we’ve had together to help me through the process of grief. In time, grief will pass, and when it subsides, then it’s time to move on. Even though it still may hurt, it’s time to collect the items your dog once used, such as food and water bowls, bed, toys, leash, etc., anything you couldn’t bring yourself to look at while you were grieving and put them away. If you don’t plan on adopting another dog, donate the items to a rescue or shelter to help another dog in need. Trust me. An act of kindness like this helps with grief. Other actions that help the grieving process is to honor your fur friend by creating a memorial or having a memorial service. There are plenty of ideas for creating a pet memorial online, but one might be planting a tree in their favorite spot in the yard. Another would be to donate to a shelter or rescue in their memory. I’ve even seen a creative memorial of taking their water bowl, putting their collar around it, and turning it into an adorable planter. The idea is to eventually accept your fur friend's passing and move forward in a healthy fashion. Another way to heal is to adopt another fur friend in need, when and if you are ready. It could be the next day, or it could be a year later. The bottom line is you will know when the time is right, and there are plenty of fur friends who need you. Just know that a new fur friend would not be replacing your fur friend that passed, but instead would be a new fur friend. After all, you can never replace fur friends. Like every living, breathing soul, caring for a dog has real-world limitations, and when you are caring for senior German Shepherds as we do at Woody’s Place, those limitations are all too real, and with those limitations comes grief. If there is anything that I've learned living this #lifewitholddogs® it's that grief has to be expressed because if not, it can fester and manifest into something much more unhealthy. Years ago, after one of the Woody’s Place resident dogs passed, Mr. Woody's Place said, “Are you going to cry like this every time one of the Woody’s Place dogs dies?” And through tear swollen eyes, I cried, “Yes. Yes, I am, because I need to grieve. And that’s ok. If you need pet grief support, help is available. We offer individual and group sessions on our membership page. wpsgss.org/membership

I'm always looking for a way to get our resident, Miss Brandi, who is 14 + years old, to eat and keep weight on her petite body. Because she is in an advanced stage of life, she has become very picky about what she eats, which is both concerning and, at times, frustrating for us. Fortunately, Brandi LOVES homemade, bite-sized treats like our weight gain treats for senior dogs, so whipping up a batch for her and the other residents is a no-brainer! Our weight gain treats for senior dogs are perfect for picky eaters like Brandi, who have started to lose weight due to advanced age, or for a newbie who comes to us severely underweight, and they're also a nice treat every so often for all of our residents. So let's talk about the nutritional value of our weight gain treats. Ground beef provides protein, iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 & B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Eggs provide vitamins A, B2 & B12, & D, selenium, iodine, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline, and other minerals. Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, copper, B vitamins, iron, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Ground flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acids, plant compounds, iron, fiber, protein, Thiamine (B1), copper, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut oil contains MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides.) Gelatin is collagen Salt can keep electrolytes in check, but not if you overdo it, so only a pinch for this recipe. Molasses contains iron, selenium, copper, and calcium. Molasses can also strengthen the immune system. To see how to make our weight gain treats for senior dogs homemade recipe, check out our YouTube channel: Disclaimer: Not recommended for dogs with beef, egg, or grain food sensitivities.

You asked for it! You got it! Here is our recipe for our quick and easy bone broth that we serve our senior German Shepherd residents. It doesn't take long, minimal ingredients are needed, and the health benefits for your older German Shepherd are well worth it! Let's check out the health benefits of home-cooked bone broth. Health Benefits: 🐾 Nutrient dense 🐾 Rich in collagen 🐾 Magnesium 🐾 Glucosamine Chondrotin 🐾 Great source of Protein Bone Broth is beneficial for various bodily functions, benefits your dog's gut health, digestive support, skin and coat health, and supports your dog's joint health. It also helps keep dogs hydrated. It also provides that extra boost for older German Shepherds who may have health issues, or even as a nice treat to warm older bones on a cold winter's day. You can genuinely feel good about home-cooked bone broth when serving it to your fur friend. Look at that jar of yummy goodness! Here are the ingredients you will need. 4 lbs. Marrow & Joint bones 3 Carrots 3 Celery Stalks 1 TBSP Turmeric 1/2 TSP Black Pepper 1 TBSP of parsley 1 TBSP of Oregano Cover with water Slow-cook in Instant Pot for 3 hours. Strain bones from broth and store broth in the refrigerator. Heat up to a warm temperature before serving. To use: Start with small amounts. You can give your dog a little directly in his bowl or mix it in with his food. Typical serving size of bone broth is 1 oz per 10 lbs. **** Take caution when wetting dry food with citric acid in the ingredients because doing so can cause GI upset. **** If you would like to make your own bone broth for your dog, be sure to include ingredients that are appropriate for dogs. We like to mix our bone broth in with our home-cooked food for our senior German Shepherds residents to enjoy. Disclaimer: May not be appropriate for dogs with certain allergies.

Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a serious medical condition that causes chronic inflammation and ulcerative, tunnel-like lesions of the perianal tissues surrounding a dog's anus. It starts as tiny holes in the dog's skin in the anus area and then evolves into deep tunnel-like lesions until the anus is consumed entirely. Perianal fistula is relatively common among older German Shepherds. In fact, of all diagnosed canine perianal fistula cases, 80% are middle-aged and older German Shepherds, and most are male. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd owners are unaware of this progressive and painful disease until it's progressed. In this #LifeWithOldDogs® blog post and podcast, we'll provide information on perianal fistula in older German Shepherds, including what it is, the symptoms to look out for, and treatment options. By arming yourself with knowledge about perianal fistula, you can be better prepared to deal with this condition if your fur friend ever suffers from it. What Causes Perianal Fistula? The cause is not fully understood just yet, but one theory is that dogs with low-hanging, broad, heavy tails, such as that of a German Shepherd, contribute to Perianal Fistula because the position of the tail over the anus inhibits the ability for adequate airflow in the anal region. Another possibility is the impaction, infection, or rupture of anal sacs located on either side of the anus. But current studies point to perianal fistula being an auto-immune disease with genetics playing a role in who gets it and who doesn't What Are The Signs Of Perianal Fistula? Straining to defecate Crying or in visible pain when defecating Persistently licking the anal area Biting at the anal area diarrhea or constipation Mucus or blood in stool Loss of appetite Unwilling to sit Reluctance to wag his tail Changes in behavior, such as depression or aggression Small oozing holes surrounding the anus Tunnel-like formations, which can be deep Pus/infection Bad Smell How Is Perianal Fistula Diagnosed? Your veterinarian will listen to your concerns, refer to your dog's medical history, and perform a physical examination, including a rectal exam and a look at the anal sacs. She may also take samples of cells or tissue from the anal sacs or fistulas while performing the rectal exam for further testing. Depending on how your dog feels, he may need to be sedated for this examination. Treatment for Perianal Fistula: Since 80% of those suffering from perianal fistula will suffer from it again, treatment involves medication and surgical tactics to ensure the best possible outcome. Medications can include: Antibiotics (such as metronidazole) Cyclosporine (inhibits immune system function ketoconazole (antifungal cream) Prednisone Topical immunosuppressant creams (Tacrolimus) Surgery (if needed): Remove affected and dead tissue Possible anal sac removal Repair lesions if small The surgery method of choice is performed via laser, cryosurgery, and cauterization. If surgery is performed, your dog will have open sores for a few weeks, which will require regular attention and care to see that they do not become infected and heal properly. Other modalities of treatment may include: Keeping hair trimmed around the anus Changing diet to a novel protein diet Keep the area cleansed with an antiseptic solution and water (Side note: Treatment can take months to get the disease under control, and reoccurrence is typical in dogs once treatment is stopped, In 20% of dogs, treatment doesn't work at all. In those cases, treatment comes down to maintaining the disease.) Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With Perianal Fistula: Unfortunately, dogs with perianal fistula require lifelong care, whether via a special diet, medication, additional surgeries, or fecal incontinence issues resulting from nerve damage from the perianal fistula. Furthermore, the drugs used for treatment can have serious side effects, and lastly, it can be quite an expense to care for a fur friend with perianal fistula. To listen to this week's #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast episode that coincides with this blog post, click here: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10357751-perianal-fistula-in-senior-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.

You may be concerned about your dog's health and well-being as an older German Shepherd parent. One condition that you may not be familiar with is pancreatitis. The pancreas is a small organ that sits behind the stomach and intestine. The purpose of the pancreas is to digest food while also regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin, which helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells so it can be used as energy. Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal if left untreated. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many dogs recover fully from this potentially life-threatening condition. In this #LifeWithOldDogs® blog post and podcast, we'll discuss the signs & symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pancreatitis in older German Shepherds. By understanding this condition, you can keep your older German Shepherd happy and healthy for years to come. What Causes Pancreatitis? The exact cause of pancreatitis is often difficult to nail down. It could be due to many factors, including infection, such as Babesia canis (a tick-borne infection) or Leishmania (parasite), an injury, or even some drugs like certain antibiotics and chemotherapy. But ingesting fatty foods and scavenging through trash are the most common causes of pancreatitis. Still, pancreatitis in dogs can also be idiopathic as well. There are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly, whereas chronic is more long-term, and the symptoms aren't as pronounced as acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is not as common as acute. What Are The Signs Of Pancreatitis? Acute: Persistent Vomiting Diarrhea loss of appetite Dehydration Serious lethargy abdominal pain Chronic: Same as above, but not as pronounced. How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed? Pancreatitis can be difficult to identify because its symptoms are not specific, and routine blood tests may be ineffective in identifying this particular illness. That said, your trusted veterinarian can run pancreatic-specific blood tests such as canine pancreatic lipase to help make a diagnosis, but even that is not 100%. Another method she may use to help make a diagnosis is to order X-rays to rule out the possibility of an obstruction, which can also cause similar symptoms. And finally, she may order an ultrasound to view the pancreas for abnormalities. Treatment for Pancreatitis: First, your trusted veterinarian will try to determine the cause of the illness and address it. Regardless of the type and severity, patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis will require supportive care to overcome their illness. The supportive care will most likely include the following: Withholding food for 24 hours pain relief for abdominal discomfort anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation of the pancreas anti-nausea medication IV fluids may also be necessary antibiotics also may be prescribed If the pancreatitis is severe, your dog will be admitted to a veterinary hospital for 24-hour care. Once your dog shows signs of improvement, a bland diet is recommended for the first few days. Additionally, a diet change may be needed if pancreatitis continues to surface. Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With Pancreatitis The prognosis for older German Shepherds with pancreatitis depends on the complexity and severity of the illness. The prognosis can be good in mild, less complex cases, with most older German Shepherds recovering fully. However, even then, the potential to develop extensive scarring within the pancreatic tissue is a genuine possibility. Unfortunately, the prognosis becomes guarded to gravely ill as pancreatitis progresses in complexity and severity. Severe pancreatitis cases can involve other factors, such as the whole body becoming inflamed, leading to multiple organ failures. Furthermore, the abdominal cavity can become infected, which is another complication of severe pancreatitis that can lead to death. And last but certainly not least, extensive scarring of the pancreas tissue can lead to other conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). We covered EPI two episodes ago when we had Olesia Kennedy, founder of EPI 4 Dogs, on to talk with us about EPI. To learn more, you can check out that #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast and blog here: https://www.wpsgss.org/post/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-in-older-german-shepherds To listen to this week's #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast episode that coincides with this blog post, click here: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10268828-pancreatitis-in-senior-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.

Megaesophagus (ME) is a widespread and potentially fatal disease that affects German Shepherds of all ages, and seniors are no exception. The disease is caused by a genetic defect that interferes with the dog's ability to move food down its esophagus and into its stomach. Without treatment, the dog will slowly lose weight and eventually die of malnutrition, starvation, or aspiration pneumonia. There are several ways to treat megaesophagus, and most dogs can lead a relatively normal life with proper care and lots of dedication from their doggie parents. If you suspect your older German Shepherd has megaesophagus, getting him diagnosed and treated as soon as possible is vital. In this #LifeWithOldDogs® blog post and podcast, we talk with Donna Challender from the nonprofit organization The Upright Canine Brigade (UCB). The UCB started a decade ago as a grassroots effort to foster awareness of Megaesopahgus within the general pet community and as a learning tool for veterinarians on managing ME. What is Megaesopahgus? Megaesophagus (ME) is an enlargement of the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food and water to the stomach. In ME, the esophagus is flaccid and lacks the muscle motility to move food and water into the stomach. There are two types of ME. One type is Congenital Idiopathic Megaesophagus (CIM), which means the dog is born with it. CIM is thought to result from incomplete nerve development in the esophagus, which may or may not improve as the dog matures. Similarly, another congenital problem is the vascular ring anomaly. This is where a band of tissue constricts the esophagus. As you can imagine, this would severely hinder the ability of food and water to make it past the area of constriction. In this case, surgery is the best chance of improving the dog's survival rate. And the second type is known as Acquired ME, which is a secondary disease caused by other diseases such as myasthenia gravis, hypothyroidism, Addison Disease, and various neurological diseases. Furthermore, Acquired ME can present due to an obstruction, esophagitis, a stricture (a narrowing in the esophagus), or Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA), also known as vascular compression of the esophagus. What Are The Signs Of Megaesophagus? *Regurgitation (not vomiting) of food and water Weight loss Not wanting to eat Coughing/choking Aspirating on food and water Puppies have mom's milk coming out of their nose How Is Megaesophagus Diagnosed? It can be diagnosed with simple x-rays, but a barium swallow study may be needed to highlight the esophagus. It should be noted that a barium swallow may present its own issues due to the dog having difficulty swallowing the barium. Moreover, blood tests will be needed to look for diseases such as Hypothyroidism, Addison's, and Myasthenia Gravis. Additionally, a video Fluoroscopy, which is a real-time study of food going into the stomach and coming out again, highlights any problems that may exist along its paths, such as inflammation or strictures. Treatment for Megaesopahgus: First, If megaesophagus is presenting due to an underlying disease, then that disease must be treated to reduce and hopefully eliminate ME symptoms. But if it's Congenital Idiopathic Megaesophagus (CIM), then the focus is on managing the symptoms and supportive care. Treatment would look like this: Using a special device called a Bailey Chair, similar to a high chair for dogs that keeps them upright during meals, allows gravity to do its thing and move the food down the esophagus and into the stomach. It should be noted that an ME dog should sit in the Bailey Chair for at least 15 minutes or longer after a meal to ensure that the food has left the esophagus and landed in the stomach. Smaller frequent meals are ideal for ME dogs. Instead of feeding once or twice a day, three or four smaller feedings may be necessary during the initial management of ME. Thickening the food and water to make the consistency a bit more "doable" is recommended. Preferred consistency would be a slurry (canned and kibble or wet and kibble mixed), oatmeal consistency, and even a meatball-like consistency. Kibble alone is not recommended due to choking hazards. Water can be a challenge for DM dogs, so it may need to be thickened with a product called "Thick-It," which does just as it says....make the water thicker, so the chances of choking are reduced. However, for some dogs with ME, water can be consumed when he is sitting upright before or after each meal. Medications may be incorporated into the treatment plan as well. For instance, Promotility is a medication that stimulates smooth muscle contractions for the gastric system, small intestine, and large bowels to transit food more quickly. Another medication that may be utilized is Sildenafil, which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter to allow food to enter the stomach. Antacids also help prevent acid reflux and irritation of the esophagus. Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With Megaesophagus Let's start with the good. The prognosis can be good in the case of a primary disease-causing ME. For instance, dogs with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) have been known to go into remission once treated as early as four months. With that said, there is no quick fix. This is a lifelong commitment, and there is a significant risk for potential complications, such as malnutrition, starvation, and aspiration pneumonia, so it's critical to get a precise diagnosis as early as possible to give your dog with ME the best possible chance of living life to the fullest while managing ME. Donna and the folks at The Upright Canine Brigade are here to offer their assistance by sharing their knowledge and support in all things Megaesophagus. For more information and support, please listen to Donna in the coinciding episode of the #Lifewitholddogs® at: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10220704-megaesophagus-a-widespread-disease-in-senior-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true And be sure to check out their website and Facebook group at: http://caninemegaesophagusinfo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/uprightcaninebrigade * Regurgitation is not the same as vomiting. Vomiting is a forceful ejection of the stomach's contents, which can be dramatic and loud. On the contrary, regurgitation is the "passive" elimination of the contents in the esophagus, as if the contents were "spilling" back out. ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.

If you are a German Shepherd owner, you should be aware of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), a potentially life-threatening disease. EPI is caused by the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes, which can lead to malnourished and other health problems. EPI is a common health issue in German Shepherds, so If your dog has symptoms of EPI, it is important to get him diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Thankfully, EPI can be successfully managed with proper care. n this blog post and podcast, we talk with Olesia Kennedy, the founder of EPI 4 Dogs, who teaches about everything EPI. Her website, epi4dogs.com is a wealth of invaluable information for those who have a dog with EPI or suspect their dog has EPI. There’s even a forum you can join and chat with other EPI dog moms and dads who share their stories and advice....and IT’S ALL FREE TO YOU..... So be sure to check it out and share it with others, so they are in “the know,” too! What Causes EPI German Shepherds? Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition found in dogs where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food. The digestive enzymes include amylase to digest starch, protease to digest proteins, and lipase to digest fats. If these enzymes are not present or there’s simply not enough, food is not broken down properly, and the nutrients in the food will not be absorbed and utilized by our fur friends, which leads to malnutrition, weight loss, other health complications, and even death. What Are The Signs Of EPI In Older German Shepherds? Weight loss, which can be extreme Excessive eating Eating everything and anything (even nonfood items) Inability to gain weight Rumbling sounds coming from the digestive tract Passing gas, which is often smelly Frequent diarrhea Light-colored stool (yellow or gray) Fatty looking stool Nausea Dull and sometimes greasy coat How Is EPI Diagnosed in dogs? Fortunately, checking for EPI in your dog is not all that difficult. If you and your vet suspect EPI is the culprit, your vet will request a stool sample from your dog and perform blood work. The test to determine if EPI is present is called cTLI or Canine trypsinogen-like immunoassay. She will also most likely include testing your dog’s Vitamin B12 and folate levels to get the best assessment of your dog’s pancreatic function. How Is EPI Treated In Dogs: If your dog has been diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), you may feel overwhelmed and scared, but the good news is that he has been diagnosed and can now receive proper treatment. As we learned from Olisea in our podcast, treatment involves the whole dog, and it may take a bit of trial and error to get it right, but it is doable. Treatment includes diet changes to include: Highly digestible, low-fat foods with prescribed pancreatic enzymes mixed in with every meal. B12 supplements (type of B12 will be specified as not all B12 is appropriate) Good pre and probiotics added to the diet Controlling overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines SID (small intestinal dysbiosis) Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With EPI: If your dog has been diagnosed with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), of course, you will be concerned about his prognosis. Fortunately, many dogs respond well to treatment and can live long, happy lives. According to Olisea from EPI 4 Dogs, “Once EPI is being managed, these dogs can and do anything any other dog can do, and they can live just as long too. The recovery rate was once stated at 97%.” If you want to learn more about EPI, do yourself a favor, tune into this week’s #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast and listen to Olisea, who covers all things EPI. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed. Also, be sure to check out the website www.epi4dogs.com to read in detail about EPI and to join the forum. If you’d like to listen to the podcast that coincides with this blog post, click on the link: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10097557-exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency-in-older-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true “If a dog has a pork allergy and has trouble using the powdered porcine enzymes….there are other options that EPI 4 Dogs can try to help you with. This part was inadvertently cut off and not fully explained in the podcast.” ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the “20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds” series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.

Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a developmental orthopedic disease that affects the bones and joints in a dog’s elbow. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth or development of the bones and joint cartilage in the elbow, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and lameness. While CED can occur in any dog breed, it is prevalent in larger breeds like German Shepherds. It is the most common cause of front leg lameness in larger breeds. And although there is no cure for CED, several treatment options can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for dogs affected by the condition. In this blog post, we’ll break down Canine Elbow Dysplasia (CED) and give you some tips on keeping your older German Shepherd with CED as comfortable as possible. (Our Miss Brandi was diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia in 2018) What Causes Elbow Dysplasia In Older German Shepherds? According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), CED is a multi-factorial disease involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint. It is also believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to CED, leading to arthritis and other joint problems. What Are The Signs Of CED In Older German Shepherds? Pain Stiffness Lameness Trouble using the elbow(s) Unnatural gait Unwillingness or inability to exercise or walk Plopping down to lay Trouble shifting position Whining and or panting Elbows pointing in toward the body as opposed to pointing straight back How Is CED Diagnosed? Your trusted veterinarian will perform a physical examination on your dog, including watching your fur friend walk, manipulating the elbow, doing blood work (to rule out anything else), and taking X-Rays. You may also be referred to an orthopedic veterinarian for further testing. Treatment For CED: Treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on the severity. Typically, mild cases may include pain management, such as an NSAD or cortisone, and therapy, such as hydrotherapy, while more severe cases may call for surgery and rehabilitation. Early diagnosis is essential for the best possible outcome. Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With CED: There is no cure for CED, so the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease to keep your fur friend as comfortable for as long as possible, which is a realistic goal if caught and treated early. The signs of canine elbow dysplasia can be evident in older German Shepherds. Still, we should also be mindful that some of our dogs put on a “good front” even when in pain, so paying attention and keeping them comfortable as they age is essential. I will leave you with some tools we employ for our older German Shepherds with CED. Keep them at an ideal weight Short, frequent walks, doing only what they can do Hydrotherapy and massage Dr. HempDog Hemp oil High-quality orthopedic dog beds such as Big Barker Dog beds Heated dog mats that go on top of the beds NO STAIRS (or very few) No jumping, especially in and out of vehicles Area rugs to avoid slippage and impact of walking Veterinarian-approved pain management Supplements such as Omega 3s, Glucosamine Chondroitin, and collagen Turmeric To check out some of our preferred products, click on the link here: https://www.amazon.com/ideas/amzn1.account.AF7RX6Y5S3CLIHWQSMNPSIKSFIVA/SEGUAKUHUS62?type=explore&ref=idea_cp_vl_ov_d Not all CBD oil is created equal. There’s a lot of crap out there, so you have to know what you are buying to ensure the comfort you seek for your older German Shepherd is actually in the bottle you’re buying, and so you’re not just throwing your money out the window. We have done just that, and it doesn’t feel good. What we have found to work are Dr. HempDog hemp oil tinctures. And if you would like to try it, you can get 10% off on us by going to: https://drhempdog.com/discount/WOODYSPLACE and enter discount code “WOODYSPLACE” To listen to the #Lifewitholddogs® podcast that coincides with this blog post, click on the link: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10054196-does-your-older-german-shepherd-have-lameness-in-his-front-leg-it-could-be-elbow-dysplasia.mp3?download=true ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the “20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds” series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.

If your older German Shepherd has been feeling a little off lately, he may suffer from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to underproduce thyroid hormone, which then causes the metabolism to slow. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can result in weight gain, lethargy, and a host of other health problems. In this #LifeWithOldDogs® blog post and podcast, we'll discuss hypothyroidism, how to spot the signs, and the treatment options available. We hope you find this information useful! What Causes Canine Hypothyroidism? The cause of hypothyroidism in older German Shepherds is a hormone imbalance resulting from inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located near the trachea, or windpipe, and has two lobes, one on each side of the trachea. Thyroid hormone levels are affected once the thyroid gland is damaged to a certain extent. What Are The Signs Of Canine Hypothyroidism? Weight gain Change in appetite Difficulty swallowing Lethargy Mental dullness Thinning coat Bald patches Darkened or Blackened skin Flakey skin Thickened skin Cold intolerance Reproductive issues Lack of coordination High cholesterol levels Slower heart rate Infection (skin, toenails & ears) Seizures Heart problems How Is Canine Hypothyroidism Diagnosed? Your vet will perform a physical examination, including feeling the thyroid for a mass. Additionally, a blood test is needed to check for hypothyroidism. The test will screen for Free T4, total T4, or Thyroxine, and T3 testing, or Triiodothyronine levels. Additional testing may be required to determine the extent of the disease. Treatment for Canine Hypothyroidism: The treatment for hypothyroidism is relatively inexpensive and straightforward. Treatment involves a prescription pill for the synthetic thyroid hormone, such as Levothyroxine or L-thyroxine, which is typically administered daily. Regular check-ups and blood work will be needed to monitor his thyroid levels for the remainder of your older German Shepherd's life. Prognosis For older German Shepherds With Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disease in older German Shepherds, but with early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for your fur friend is generally reasonable. Many enjoy long survival times with an active quality of life. The key is to GET treatment because, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can have serious consequences. To listen to the coinciding #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast, click on the link below: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10402601-hypothyroidism-in-senior-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true ***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.