I have unfortunately lost my two beautiful GSD bitches within the last year.  One to a brain tumor at the age of 10, and the other to CDRM at the age of 8.  I have seen advertisements for Shiloh Shepherds and claims that health issues are being bred out of this strain of Shepherd.  Can anybody tell me if they have any history of CDRM which is a degenerative disease of the spine causing them to become paralysed from the backend forward over a relatively rapid space of time.

I would love another Shepherd and would like to reduce any risk of these awful diseases and would love to hear from anyone who can give me some breeder information who is genuinely concerned about eliminating these distressing illnesses.  I would love another Shepherd but would like them to live a LONG and happy life where I possibly can, as well as the selfish reasons of wanting to love them for a bit longer than 8 years...

I really hope someone can help me. 
Linda

Hi Linda
So sorry to hear you've lost your girls in the space of a year. I lost a dog each year for 3 years, it was hell. It seems that some GSD lines are prone to CDRM (now often referred to just as DM). I've seen info about Shiloh shepherds, and these are bred to be oversized, which I think could possibly lead to even more problems (just my opinion). Also I don't think that they have been around long enough to be able to claim that any health problems have been bred out. Shepherds still have various hereditary problems which good breeders have been trying to eradicate for some time - if only it was that easy! You could ask a potential breeder whether any of their progeny has suffered with CDRM, but I don't know whether you would get an honest answer, or even if they would know in a most cases, as these problems often only show up in later life (esp CDRM).

I had a shepherd that had almost the whole range of shepherd problems, severe hip dysplasia, spondulosis and anal furunculosis. She had both hips replaced, fought off AF eventually and I lost her at nine and a half to paralysis from the spondulosis, and I thought we did well. I loved her so much I couldn't bear to be without a shepherd, so I now have a two and a half year old girl, and a five month old boy. I've chosen the best breeding that I can, and from thereon in it's in the lap of the gods! I love them to bits and always said that despite Blue's problems I would do it all again in a heartbeat. So, if you want your shepherd, get one, just research breeders and ask all the questions, then go for it.
K