The Sunday Night That Changed Everything
Zeus was acting weird. Pacing around, trying to throw up but nothing came out. I figured he'd eaten something gross on our walk.
Then he laid down and wouldn't get back up. His stomach looked... wrong. Bloated.
That's when I realized this wasn't a normal tummy ache.
Bloat Is No Joke
The emergency vet took one look at Zeus and said we needed surgery immediately. His stomach had twisted. If we waited, he'd die.
Surgery took four hours. $8,200 later, Zeus was alive but groggy. The vet said German Shepherds get bloat more than other breeds because of their deep chests.
I had no idea this was even a thing. Now I watch Zeus like a hawk after he eats.
Hip Problems Start Early
Zeus started bunny hopping up stairs when he was only 2. Vet said it could be hip dysplasia.
X-rays confirmed it. Both hips were malformed. Surgery would be $6,000 per side.
We decided to try conservative management first. Joint supplements, weight control, limited exercise. It's working so far, but I know surgery is probably in our future.
The vet said most German Shepherds develop hip or elbow problems eventually. It's just a question of when and how bad.
The Back End Goes First
My neighbor's German Shepherd, Rex, started dragging his back feet when he was 9. Vet called it degenerative myelopathy.
It's like ALS for dogs. Progressive paralysis starting in the back legs. No cure.
Rex lived another two years with a wheelchair for his back legs. The family spent thousands on physical therapy and mobility aids, but they said it was worth it to keep him comfortable.
Made me realize German Shepherds don't just get old. They get specific kinds of problems.
What German Shepherd Insurance Actually Needs
After Zeus's emergency and watching other GSD owners, I have strong opinions about what coverage matters.
Emergency Coverage Better Be Good
If your policy doesn't cover emergency surgery, you're screwed. Bloat, spinal injuries, acute arthritis flares. German Shepherds seem to specialize in expensive emergencies.
Make sure there's no cap on emergency treatment. Zeus's surgery would have bankrupted us without insurance.
Chronic Stuff Needs Lifetime Coverage
Hip dysplasia isn't a one-time thing. Neither is degenerative myelopathy. These are lifetime conditions that need ongoing management.
Some policies will cover the initial diagnosis then call it pre-existing. That's useless for German Shepherds.
Look for policies that specifically say they'll cover chronic conditions for life. Worth the extra premium.