by Diane Morgan
In its most dangerous form, leptospirosis can affect and shut down the kidneys. Treatment includes antibiotics and, in cases of kidney failure, dialysis. A vaccine is available for some forms of leptospirosis; however, many vets do not recommend its use, especially for young puppies. The older forms of leptospirosis are seldom seen nowadays, and the vaccine can cause reactions in some dogs. A vaccine against the new lepto strain is being tested.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is an acute respiratory disorder, often found where dogs share close quarters, like kennels, shelters, boarding facilities, and veterinary hospitals. Kennel cough is a complex of symptoms, rather than a specific disease. It can be caused by a host of agents, including viruses and bacteria, so it shouldn’t be considered a single disease. In adult dogs, kennel cough is sort of like a bad cold; the dog often shows no symptoms of ill-health other than a runny nose and a cough. Some have fever or lack of appetite. For puppies, the condition can be more serious. You can immunize your dog against Bordetella bronchiseptica, the most common agent for kennel cough. Puppies should be immunized at 16 weeks.
Canine Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is an abnormality that occurs when the head of the femur (thighbone) does not fit correctly into the pelvic socket (see Figure 14-1 for an illustration). Eventually the joint becomes malformed, sometimes to the extent that it is unusable. A dog may have dysplasia in one or both hips. The earlier the disease manifests itself, the more serious it is. Unfor-tunately, even though the disease is painful, your stoic Husky may give little indication that he’s hurting.
The origin of CHD is at least partially genetic. Geneticists consider it to be a polygenic condition, meaning that several genes play a part in passing it on. No one has yet identified all the genes responsible. And not all dogs who have a genetic predisposition to get hip dysplasia actually develop it.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), a non-profit organization affiliated with the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri will, for a small fee, inspect the radiographs of dogs 2 years or older desired for breeding purposes. They will then issue a report to the dog’s owner, good for the lifetime of the dog, evaluating the dog’s hip joint conformation. A reputable Siberian Husky breeder will not breed an animal without a favorable rating from the OFA, and prospective buyers should ask to see the OFA report on both parents before committing to buy a puppy.
Figure 14-1: Canine hip dysplasia is a painful abnormality.
Although hip dysplasia is not noticeable at birth, the condition is progressive and causes pain, inflammation, and eventually arthritis, which can be severe. Rigorous exercise makes the problem worse. Dogs with only slight hip dysplasia are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. The only way to know for sure if a dog has dysplasia is to have him x-rayed by a competent veterinarian. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a veterinary radiologist. This condition is sometimes extremely difficult to detect, and unless the dog is properly positioned for the x-ray, a misdiagnosis could result.
The most important factor for developing hip dysplasia is probably rapid growth rate. The more rapidly your puppy grows, the more at risk he is for developing hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic problems. Carefully monitor your young dog’s diet, especially between the ages of 3 and 8 months, the peak growth period. If your puppy seems to be growing faster than other Huskies in his age group (ask your vet to be sure), you must be especially vigilant and lower his caloric intake.
You can ask your veterinarian to perform an OFA or Penn Hip style x-ray when your dog is being spayed or neutered. ( Note: Hip x-rays are not completely accurate, unless they are done after the age of 2 years, but an earlier x-ray can still provide useful information.) This will give you a baseline reading, and if your Husky develops hip problems later, you and your vet will be able to check the new x-rays against the early ones. Treatment for dysplasia includes diet therapy (usually involving weight loss), enforced rest, exercise and stretching exercises (swimming is good), drug therapy (ascriptin, Naproxen, Adequan, and Cosequin), acupuncture, and surgery.
In addition to genetic predisposition, breeders recognize that environmental factors may also play a significant role in the disease. Rapid weight gain, improper nutrition (including too much calcium), too-rapid growth rate, and other factors can all contribute.
Arthritis
Dogs suffer from arthritis as frequently as human beings do. Arthritic dogs may limp or have problems getting up or climbing stairs. They may cry when touched. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning, because the joints are likely to be stiff from lack of movement during the night. There are two basic types of arthritis: degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis (joint disease).
In degenerative arthritis, the cartilage that protects bones around the joint is damaged, usually by stress. Active, sporty dogs are particularly susceptible. This kind of arthritis can be acquired from too much jumping, or it can result from a tear. Sometimes, years will go by before the disease actually manifests itself. Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip socket, is a common form of degenerative arthritis.
Older dogs, overweight dogs, and genetically predisposed dogs are particularly at risk for degenerative arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis is result of an illness or infection. Tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever are common sources. It can also be hereditary.
Eye Problems
Serious eye problems should be treated by a veterinary ophthalmologist, preferably one certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). In addition, the Siberian Husky Club of America has encouraged its local member clubs to sponsor annual eye clinics at a reasonable cost. The procedure is painless.
Only dogs who are free from genetic eye defects should be used for breeding purposes. Siberians can be screened by the Siberian Husky Ophthalmologic Registry (SHOR). If a dog of 1 year or older has been found to be free of eye defects by a diplomate of ACVO, SHOR will issue a certificate (good for one year) to the animal. A reputable breeder should offer proof to any purchaser that the sire and dam of the litter in question have been registered by SHOR.
Recognizing common eye problems
Siberian Huskies are susceptible to three genetically passed eye defects: progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bilateral cataracts (and other corneal disorders such as crystalline corneal opacities), and glaucoma. These disorders can affect animals of either sex or of any eye color. All can cause blindness.
In the following sections, I cover these three genetically passed eye defects, in addition to some other common eye problems your Husky may encounter.
Progressive retinal atrophy
In progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), the retina, which forms the light image, loses first its night vision capacity, then its day vision capacity. The disease develops if the light-sensitive cells in the retina receive an inadequate supply of blood; if this happens, they wither away. Both eyes are always affected, but the disease progresses slowly; its presence can be detected by ophthalmoscopic examination. PRA is caused by a recessive gene, so parents should be screened. There is no cure or treatment for the disease.
A disease related to PRA is Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA). In CPRA the animal has better night vision than day vision, and although he may bump into stationary objects, he can usually see moving objects with varying degrees of acuity.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a major source of blindness, usually seen in older dogs. They can result from diabetes, poor nutrition, inflammation, or trauma. In this condition, the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. Cataracts are classified by the dog’s age at onset, physical appearance, state of development, and cause. Cataracts usually begin as tiny dots, then progress to a haze, pearly sheen, streakiness, or a totally white lens. Not all cataracts will progress to the point of causing blindness, however.
According to some estimates, the incidence of cataracts in H
uskies may be as high as 18 percent.
Bilateral, developmental, or juvenile cataracts is, as one of its names suggests, characteristic of young dogs. The primary cause is genetic transmission. Only five breeds of dogs inherit this condition; unfortunately, the Siberian Husky is one of them.
The disease shows up as a cloudiness in the lens, and develops rather slowly, usually first in one eye, then in the other. Inherited canine cataracts in Huskies is caused by an autosomal recessive trait that appears between 4 and 18 months of age. Some cases do not show themselves until the dog is between 4 and 6 years old; this is particularly unfortunate because most dogs are bred before that age. Severe cases of juvenile cataracts cause blindness; in some cases, there is considerable discomfort as well.
There is no treatment that will prevent or slow the development of cataracts. Surgery to remove the opacity is the only treatment. One new treatment is called phacoemulsification, an ultrasound technique that actually shatters the bad lens, and removes the pieces!
The AKC Canine Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has begun funding research to identify the DNA marker that causes juvenile cataracts in purebred dogs, specifically in Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Samoyeds.
Glaucoma
In glaucoma, the internal pressure of the eye’s aqueous fluid increases to the point where it damages the retina or optic nerve. Glaucoma usually has a genetic component (primary glaucoma), but can also be acquired from trauma or an infection (secondary glaucoma). Glaucoma is prevalent in certain lines of Siberians, particularly in some racing lines.
Although blue eyes are regarded as defective in many breeds, there seems to be no evidence that blue eyes are related to increased incidence of cataracts or other eye problems in Siberians.
Early stages of glaucoma are characterized by pupil dilation and a slightly enlarged eye, symptoms that are very easy to miss. Later, the eye will be red, swollen, streamy, and obviously painful. There may be a green or yellow discharge. This is an extremely dangerous condition, requiring emergency, aggressive medical treatment from your veterinarian. Laser surgery is used to relieve pressure within the eye by decreasing the eye’s ability to produce fluid. Permanent blindness can occur within hours.
To test for glaucoma, your vet will use a tonometer, an instrument that calculates how far the cornea of the eye is indented when pressure is applied to the surface of the eye.
Drug therapy, laser surgery, and a freezing procedure called cyclocryothermy are partially successful if the glaucoma is caught very early, but the ultimate prognosis is poor. Most dogs with this condition eventually lose their sight.
Nuclear or lenticular sclerosis
Nuclear or lenticular sclerosis is a common condition in older dogs, starting at around 8 or 9 years of age.
You may notice a greenish or bluish haze on the eye, which is caused by a hardening of the lens. It’s part of the natural aging process, and although it may impair your dog’s close-up vision, it’s not a serious disability. Note the difference between this condition and cataracts; in cataracts, the haze is white.
Crystalline corneal opacities
Crystalline corneal opacities (CCO) affects the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the outer, transparent portion of the eye’s outer coat. The lens is farther inside the eye and focuses light rays so they form an image on the retina, which is the light-sensitive inner layer of the eye. With this condition, the cornea sometimes takes on a hazy appearance; at other times, it looks as if crystal needles have invaded the eye.
Both eyes are affected, but not always to the same extent. Research, using the Siberian as a test model, is currently being done on this problem.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid. The white (or sclera) of the eye looks red. It is caused by a variety of things, such as infection, inadequate lubrication, and injury. It can also be a by-product of another disease.
Knowing what to do if your Husky goes blind
Blindness is not the tragedy to dogs that it is to human beings. And because humans can lead a rich and interesting life although blind, think how little blindness may affect your Siberian, who has his keen ears, sensitive nose, and loyal heart to guide him through life. Besides, Siberians have little interest in reading books, going to the movies, or even admiring a glorious sunset.
The biggest problem for a blind dog is his owner, who is convinced that his dog’s life has been irretrievably ruined. The dog may notice his owner’s change toward him, and become worried and fretful. This bothers a dog more than sight loss does.
Testing your Husky’s sight
Sometimes it’s not easy to tell if your dog is going blind. Blindness usually happens very slowly, and your dog is so good at using his other senses to maneuver around the house that you may not even notice until it is too late. Here are a few safe, simple tests you can perform at home to check your dog’s vision. These are not recommended as alternatives to regular veterinary checkups, of course, but are useful for between visits.
Wave your hand or another object quickly before your dog’s eyes. He should blink.
Move an object slowly in front of your dog’s eyes. He should follow the object visually.
Shine a flashlight in one eye. Both eyes should blink in response. The pupils of both eyes should contract.
Pick up your Siberian (if you can) and carry him to a table. If he sees it, he’ll stretch out his forelegs in an attempt to reach it.
Throw a ball. He should see where it goes.
Design an obstacle course between you and your dog. See if he can negotiate his way through it.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a frighteningly common inherited disorder among Siberian Huskies, usually manifesting itself when the dog is about 2 to 4 years or older. Epilepsy is an uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. It results in seizures that can last from a few seconds to over half an hour. The dog may go stiff and jerk, his eyes may roll back in his head, he may blink or pace.
Treatment includes use of anticonvulsant drugs like Dilantin, Phenobarbitol, Primidone, and Valium.
An epileptic dog can live a happy life, and if his family members can get over their fear of the seizures, the disease can be fairly easily managed.
Diabetes
Like human beings, dogs can get diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, but no one is sure how this happens. There are two types of diabetes: type I (insulin dependent) and type II (non–insulin dependent). The first type is common in older dogs; the second is associated with obesity.
The body needs insulin to absorb blood sugar. If not enough insulin is produced, the sugar stays in the bloodstream and eventually passes into the urine. Overweight animals, older dogs (between 7 and 9 years), and females are most at risk. In fact, females are twice as likely to contract diabetes as males. Your vet can check for diabetes using a blood test.
Most experts think that type II diabetes can be prevented by keeping your Husky lean. Some studies have also suggested that the addition of chromium to a canine diet may help prevent the onset of the disease. (Chromium can be found in brewer’s yeast.)
Danger signs include increased hunger, thirst, and urination.
The medical treatment for diabetes is usually dietary changes and administration of insulin, often by injection once or twice a day. If your dog is diabetic, you also have to learn how to monitor your dog’s blood glucose level. Regular exercise and a special diet are also important. Companies like Eukanuba, Hill’s, Ralston Purina, and Waltham’s have developed special commercial feeds for diabetic dogs.
Although experts aren’t sure yet whether healthy dogs need fiber, you can help manage your dog’s diabetes by including fiber supplements in his diet. Feeding high-fiber foods reduces the amount of insulin your diabetic Husky requires. As an additional benefit, we know that high-fiber foods help in weight reduction, a common problem
accompanying diabetes.
Dogs with diabetes should have about 40 percent of their calories come from complex carbohydrates, 20 percent from fat, and the rest from high-quality protein.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland consists of two lobes, located in your dog’s neck. This gland produces hormones that regulate your Siberian’s metabolism. If the thyroid fails to function at its proper level, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Many dogs seem to lose thyroid function as they grow older.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a serious, inheritable disorder that is becoming increasingly common in dogs. More females than males are affected, and it usually doesn’t show up until the dog is at least 2 years old. Some people believe hypothyroidism is reaching epidemic proportions among many medium to large breeds, including the Siberian Husky.
Hypothyroidism has a multitude of symptoms, including lethargy, lack of coordination, increased weight, inability to tolerate cold or exercise, seizures, aggression, compulsive- or anxiety-related disorders, diarrhea or constipation, loss of hair, a rat tail (a tail without hair), skin problems, and eye problems. Many of these symptoms develop very gradually.
A simple blood test can detect an underactive thyroid. Treatment consists of an inexpensive hormone supplement (Soloxine or Synthroid) in pill form administered twice a day for the rest of the dog’s life. In a very few weeks, your Siberian should show signs of improvement.
