Siberian Huskies are generally a healthy breed (if not the most). The Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) has been very proactive about watching for genetic issues within the breed and encouraging breeders to not breed dogs with defects, so they do not have issues that some other breeds do.
However, no dog breed is completely free from disease. There are a few health concerns that Husky owners should be aware of that their dog may face. The following are the Top 3 diseases your Siberian Husky is prone to.
#1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is prevalent in over 100 breeds of dogs. According to the Siberian husky Club of America, it’s the top health concern for Huskies. Dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur does fit properly into the pelvic joint. It can range from mild to severe and is inherited. A veterinarian can diagnose it using radiography.
How it is prevented:
– Give your husky high quality food full of nutrients and minerals. A poor diet, lacking in nutrition, may lead to poor bone growth and other joint and cartilage abnormalities in husky puppies and adults.
– Consider giving your husky dietary supplements. You should ensure your husky is getting enough vitamins and minerals by giving him antioxidant vitamins C and E.
-Take your husky on walks or runs when he is an adult. Keep your husky active to help him stay physically fit with moderate exercise like running, walking, and swimming.
-Bring your husky to the vet for testing. Your husky may not show signs of hip dysplasia until he is between four month and one year old. If you suspect your dog might have hip dysplasia, it’s best to bring him to your vet for testing. The earlier you get the diagnosis, the sooner you can treat your dog’s condition.
#2. Eye Defects
Siberian Huskies can be affected by 3 eye defects: hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. According to the Siberian Husky Club of America, these diseases are very serious and should not be overlooked. The most common is hereditary cataracts. For all of these diseases, genetic testing is available so if you are planning of getting a puppy for you, make sure you are going to a responsible Siberian Husky breeder near you who has tested the parents before breeding.
How it is prevented:
-Routine eye exams as part of your husky’s yearly physical checks will help in monitoring her eye health. If there is an underlying cause, treating the underlying disease may improve your husky’s prognosis.
-Finally, huskies with progressive cataracts, that are not candidates for surgery, can learn, with help from their owners, to cope and compensate for the loss of vision with their other keen senses, such as smell.
#3. Uveodermatologic Syndrome
This disease is complicated, and affects the eyes, skin, and nervous system. It’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys the pigment-making cells known as melanocytes in the skin and eyes. This causes premature whitening of the hair and skin. Huskies that are affected will also suffer eye problems. Painful, red eyes in your Husky should be checked out immediately. There is treatment, but irreversible blindness is common with this disease. Most common signs of this disease are
How it is prevented:
-If you think your dog might be suffering from Uveodermatologic Syndrome, you may start to notice several signs, such as Loss of skin pigmentation in the eyelids, lips, hard palate, nose, footpads, scrotum, and anusInflammation in the interior of the eye, Pain or discomfort in the eye, Sensitivity to light, Vision changes, Bumping into things, Constricted pupils, Cloudy eye.
-If that is the case, it is recommended to see a Vet immediately.
