How healthy is the Siberian Husky? Is the dog breed prone to developing any diseases?
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It is almost impossible to resist the charm of a Siberian Husky. The breed has a strong presence, with shiny fur and a penetrating look that sometimes even intimidates. But anyone who thinks they are aggressive dogs because of their resemblance to wolves is mistaken. Deep down, the Siberian Husky (puppy or adult) is a super companion, affectionate and very attached to his family. The problem is that theThe Husky breed may have some health problems in the course of its life, even if it receives all the necessary care. Below, we have separated the main diseases that can affect the health of the Husky dog.
See_also: Deaf dog: what's it like to live with a puppy who can't hear?Siberian Husky: zinc deficiency and hypothyroidism are common problems in the breed
Some breeds have a greater predisposition to develop skin problems, and the Siberian Husky is one of them. The organism of this little dog has a certain difficulty in absorbing zinc, which leads to a nutritional deficiency that reflects on the animal's skin and can trigger dermatological problems, such as nasal dermatitis and canine alopecia. As this is a very specific disease, only the doctorA veterinarian can diagnose and recommend the best treatment to address the lack of zinc in your Husky's body.
See_also: The 10 most intelligent dog breedsAnother problem that ends up reflecting on the breed's coat is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disease that occurs when the thyroid glands do not produce a sufficient amount of hormones to keep the Siberian Husky's metabolism stable. Some of the symptoms of this condition are hair loss, which happens mainly on the dog's tail, and thickening of the skin.
Siberian Husky dogs are more prone to cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy
Eye problems are quite common in the Husky. Cataracts, for example, can appear in dogs of any age and are characterized by opacity in the lens, leaving the region with a more grayish or bluish appearance. Depending on the evolution of the disease, the Siberian Husky can even go blind if not treated in time. Glaucoma needs equal attention, because depending on the severityAs this condition is more difficult to identify, it is best to have annual consultations with a veterinarian specializing in ophthalmology.
Progressive retinal atrophy is another disease, but of genetic origin and that usually manifests itself in the first years of life of the Siberian Husky. It has a progressive character, and worsens over time until the animal goes blind.
Husky can also suffer from hip dysplasia
Coxofemoral dysplasia is a disease, usually of genetic origin, that mainly affects large dogs, such as the Siberian Husky. Puppies diagnosed with dysplasia do not properly develop the region of the bones, muscles and tendons of the dog's hind legs, which causes constant friction between the femur and the animal's pelvis whenever he walks or runs. This ends upgenerating a limitation in the movements of the puppy, in addition to bringing a lot of pain and discomfort to the patient. One of the signs of hip dysplasia is that the dog begins to limp or roll over and animals with a genetic predisposition, such as the Husky, need to be regularly monitored by the veterinarian. This is a disease that can manifest itself even in the early stages of the dog's life, with theSiberian Husky puppy between 4 and 10 months of age, but can also appear only when the dog reaches adulthood.