Care Of The Siberian Husky
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.
Because of the SHCA the two greatest areas of concern that have been found for the Siberian Husky is canine hip dysphasia and inheritable eye disease. However, with proper care and monitoring you can attempt to avoid these conditions in your dog and help them to live a long, healthy life.
Hip dysphasia is a problem in which the hip joint at the head of the thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the joint socket. This condition isn’t typically present when a puppy is born, rather it will develop within the dog’s first two years of life. The condition is progressive and will cause the affected hip to have inflammation, pain and arthritis. The condition can be made worse by strenuous exercise such as sitting up, lying down or climbing stairs.
About one hundred fourteen dog breeds can be affected by hip dysphasia and the Siberian Husky is ranked one hundred eleventh in risk. By buying from breeders who can provide proof that both parents have passed the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals standards for breeding this is one of the Siberian Husky health problems that you can avoid.
There are many eye defects that affect dogs, but only three of them are considered a concern in the few Siberian Husky health problems today. Hereditary or juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy are the three eye conditions of the Siberian Husky that you should be aware of. Any eye color can have an eye condition and each disorder affects a different portion of the eye.
Although they don’t happen often, eye problems in the Siberian Husky are very serious and you should never overlook or underestimate them. Hereditary or juvenile cataracts can occur as early as three months of age. A mild case can cause a decrease in eyesight and a severe case can cause complete blindness. Corneal dystrophy is a condition that affects the outer transparent portion of the eyeball.
It is often found in young adult dogs and is more common in females. There is no current treatment for this condition, however vision is seldom affected. Progressive retinal atrophy is a serious condition that can cause devastating loss of vision by as early as five months of age and is more common in males.
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