Health Problems Of The Siberian Husky
submitted: Aug 21st 2008 |
by: AndrewPreston |
Total views: 1 |
Word Count: 528 |
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No dog breed is completely free of inheritable genetic defects. However, the Siberian Husky has the fewest health problems of all the dog breeds. Overall the Siberian Husky has general good health and temperament, but you still need to keep an eye out for several Siberian Husky health problems.
The Siberian Husky Club of American or SHCA has monitored all potential genetic problems and they have taken positive action in order to ensure the general health and well being of the breed. Since the founding of the SHCA in 1965 it has been tasked with being aware of genetic problems and alerting breeders before the defects have a chance to spread. For the Siberian Husky the SHCA has identified the two greatest areas of concern as canine hip dysphasia and inheritable eye disease. To help your dog live a long, healthy life and to avoid these conditions you need to practice proper care and monitoring.
The condition in which the head of the thighbone or hip joint doesn't fit properly into the joint socket is known as hip dysphasia. The condition normally isn't present when the puppy is born, but rather it develops during the dog's first two years of life. The condition progresses and during this time the hip is affected by inflammation, pain and arthritis.
The condition can be made worse by any strenuous activities such as sitting up, lying down or climbing stairs. The condition equally affects both males and females as well as one or both hips. Hip dysphasia is passed on from the parents to the puppy as an inherited health condition. Despite the high occurrence of hip dysphasia in dogs the Siberian Husky is still one of the least affected dog breeds.
The condition affects about one hundred fourteen dog breeds and the Siberian Husky is ranked one hundred eleventh for risk. This condition can easily be avoided in the Siberian Husky by buying from breeders who can provide proof that both parents have passed the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals standards for breeding.
There are many eye defects that can affect dogs, although only three of these are currently a concern among the few Siberian Husky health problems. The three eye conditions that you should look for in the Siberian Husky are hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. A different portion of the eye is affected by each disorder and can be present in any eye color.
Even though eye problems don't occur often in the Siberian Husky they are serious and should never be overlooked or underestimated. The Siberian Husky can develop hereditary or juvenile cataracts as early as three months of age. If there is a mild case there will be a decrease in eyesight, but severe cases can cause complete blindness. Corneal dystrophy is a condition that affects the outer transparent portion of the eyeball.
This condition is more common in females and is typically found in young adult dogs. This condition has no current treatment, but is seldom affects vision. A more serious condition is progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause a devastating loss of vision in dogs as early as five months of age and is most common in males.
About the Author
About the author: Andrew Preston is a passionate lover of the Siberian Husky and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Siberian Husky. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Siberian Husky Health Problems plus a whole lot more.
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