If you want to learn about Husky health problems, then you should read this article. Huskies can develop certain health issues, but when compared with other breeds, they do not usually have very many health problems. Some of the main health problems that occur in Huskies include hip dysplasia and eye problems including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. After reading this article, you will be more aware of the health problems that can affect Huskies.
Hip dysplasia is one of the major Husky health problems. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit into the hip socket properly. Generally, you will not know if your puppy has hip dysplasia because it usually appears in the first two years of his life. As this condition worsens, inflammation, pain, as well as arthritis can occur. Strenuous exercises such as sitting up or lying down will only make the condition worse and cause more pain in your dog. By making sure your puppy comes from a good breeder, you can significantly reduce the chances of him developing hip dysplasia.
Eye problems are the other major type of Husky health problems with cataracts being one of the major problems that may occur in Huskies. With this condition, clouding occurs in the lens of the eye causing the lens to become opaque, preventing light from passing through. In as early as three months of age, Huskies can develop cataracts. Levels of severity of cataracts can vary, ranging from a mild case resulting in a decrease in eyesight, to a more severe case resulting in blindness.
Another eye problem that could affect Huskies is corneal dystrophy. Corneal dystrophy occurs when the cornea of the eye begins to cloud over. Usually within the ages of five months and two years, this condition can occur in Huskies. Since corneal dystrophy doesn't normally affect eyesight, no treatment is often done even though methods of treatment do exist.
The other major eye problem is progressive retinal atrophy. It is a genetic disease that causes degeneration of the neural retinal structures, resulting in vision loss in Huskies as early as five months of age. This disease tends to occur more in male Huskies than in female Huskies. Some of the symptoms include decreased pupillary light reflex, dilated pupils, and decreased vision at night. Unfortunately, no cure or treatment for progressive retinal atrophy exists at this time.
As you're able to see, the Husky is generally a healthy breed that is free of most of the health issues that affect other breeds. However, you need to still take your dog to the veterinarian for checkups to check for issues that may exist, mainly hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. By being careful in choosing where to get your Husky from, it will also help a lot in that proper breeders do what they can to ensure that their dogs don't have any potential problems that can arise because of genetics.