German shepherd
The disorders listed in the first 3 categories below are believed to have an inherited basis, or are known to have a predilection for this breed ("breed predisposition"). This means the disorder occurs more commonly in this breed compared to other breeds, or to the general dog population. Common sense suggests that these are inherited disorders, but for many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive.
We have listed disorders for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant in this breed. Where the mode of inheritance is known, this information is included on the linked disease page. The most popular breeds tend to have the most disorders listed because there is a larger number of dogs affected, and therefore more opportunity to recognize a breed predisposition to a particular disorder. As well, there is likely to be more indiscriminate breeding of these breeds, leading to a higher occurrence of inherited disorders. In less common or newer breeds, there may be no disorders listed or the list of disorders may be quite short, because it can take some time before enough dogs are affected to recognize an inherited condition.
The last category lists conditions that have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.
Most
important
These disorders are relatively common in this breed, and where possible, efforts are being
made to eradicate them. Ask your breeder about these conditions in his or her dogs. These
disorders seriously affect the health of your pet and may require medical or surgical
intervention.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Other
disorders which have an increased incidence in this breed
These disorders occur less commonly or are less devastating than those mentioned above.
Cervical vertebral instability (wobbler syndrome)
German shepherd pyoderma (seen more commonly in dogs bred from European lines)
Glycogen storage disease type III
Persistent right aortic arch (vascular ring anomaly)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Vertebral stenosis (lumbosacral)
Disorders
associated with conformation
These disorders are directly related to the conformation or standards for the breed. Although these conditions have in many cases become so common that they are accepted as normal for the breed, they can still cause serious physical problems and discomfort for the dog. One component of responsible breeding is to breed away from the extremes of conformation that cause these physical problems.
none documented in this category.
Other
disorders which may be inherited in this breed
These disorders have been reported sporadically, and may be inherited in this breed.
Cerebellar abiotrophyFor more information about this breed