10 Common Siberian Husky Health Issues

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One of America’s favorite breeds, the Siberian Husky is best known for its gorgeous, wolf-like appearance and fun-loving, friendly nature. Huskies are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan, but, like all purebreds, they’re susceptible to several inherited health conditions. Their curiosity and high energy level can also make them accident-prone. If you’re considering adding a Husky to your family, it’s important to know the most prevalent health issues this breed faces.

Siberian Husky Common Health Problems

I had a conversation with Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed, BSAVA, PGCertSAM, MRCVS, to gain insights from a practicing veterinarian regarding health concerns in Huskies. Dr. MacMillan works as a veterinarian and surgeon at a small animal clinic in the United Kingdom. Drawing from her expertise and my own research, I’ve compiled a list of the ten most prevalent health issues affecting Siberian Huskies. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of each condition so you can reach out to your veterinarian promptly if you observe any signs.

1. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic orthopedic condition commonly seen in Huskies and many other pedigree dogs. This joint disorder is characterized by the improper fit of the femur’s head into the hip socket. It can occur in one or both hips. This condition can frequently result in degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, in dogs.

“In my practice, I commonly see Siberian Huskies with osteoarthritis, especially as they age,” Dr. MacMillan says. “In some cases, this has occurred secondary to hip dysplasia, a developmental joint issue. Hip dysplasia can cause lameness, mobility issues, and the early onset of painful osteoarthritis. This is why it is essential to choose your Husky from a reputable breeder who has carried out health screening to increase the chances of having a healthy dog.”

Symptoms

• Pain or discomfort during exercise
• Lameness
• Stiff back legs
• “Bunny hop” like run
• Stiffness getting up or running
• Struggling to walk up the stairs or take long walks
• Difficulty getting up
• Muscle tone loss in the back legs
• Lack of enjoyment with physical activities that were previously enjoyable

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your veterinarian will palpate the hip joint and take an x-ray of the hip socket to make the diagnosis. Treatment options may include joint supplements, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory and pain drugs, and weight management, depending on the severity of the disease. Surgery is frequently required in more severe cases.

2. Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears

Huskies are particularly susceptible to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries because of their high activity levels and genetics. Similar to human ACL injuries, CCL injuries happen when the knee joint’s ligament rips, degrades, or occasionally ruptures entirely. This may occur as a result of the ligament gradually deteriorating over time, or it may occur abruptly while the dog is running and makes a quick turn. Regretfully, dogs who experience a tear or rupture in one CCL are more prone to experience the same issue in the other knee.

Symptoms

• Limping
• Barely putting any weight on the affected hind leg
• Walking on three legs
• Difficulty getting up
• Sitting on one side
• Audible clicking or popping in the joint
• Swollen knee

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing the condition includes assessing the joint’s flexibility, and X-rays may be required to view the extent of the damage. Medium and large breeds, such as the Husky, often need orthopedic surgery to repair the knee. The recovery process after CCL surgery generally involves pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical rehabilitation. Additionally, dogs that have experienced CCL injuries are likely to develop arthritis as they age, making weight control a crucial aspect of their care.

3. Idiopathic Epilepsy

Siberian Huskies are known to have a higher incidence of idiopathic epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The underlying cause of idiopathic epilepsy is unknown, but experts believe there’s a genetic component. The age of onset can vary from one to six years old.

Symptoms

Many dogs experience what’s called the aura stage prior to the following signs of a seizure, where they appear anxious, fearful, or confused. Seizures typically last 30-90 seconds.

• Stiffening of the neck, body, and legs
• Falling over to the side
• Leg paddling
• Trembling, shaking, and convulsing
• Excessive drooling
• Making a chewing motion
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Vocalizing

Diagnosis & Treatment

Eliminating all other potential causes of seizures is necessary to diagnose epilepsy. A comprehensive physical examination, blood and urine tests, x-rays, and an assessment of the dog’s medical history are all part of diagnostics. Additional tests, including CT or MRI imaging and bile acid and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing may be necessary in certain situations.

One case of epilepsy I saw in my practice was presented because the dog had experienced a few seizures at home. I performed an examination and took routine blood samples, all of which came back as normal. This is typical for idiopathic epilepsy (or epilepsy of unknown origin). We discussed referral for advanced diagnostic imaging to rule out other causes of seizures, such as inflammatory disease or a brain tumor. Given that the dog was only 3 years old and otherwise well, his owners declined.

Instead, we started him on symptomatic treatment and monitored his response. His seizures have been well controlled for a couple of years now through daily medication and regular re-examinations. However, some dogs can end up requiring multiple medications to reduce their seizure frequency, but they can still experience fits intermittently. Vets recognize that seizures can be very distressing for owners to witness, and we are there to support owners through their dog’s condition.

– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

4. Skin Diseases

Huskies are prone to several skin problems, including zinc-responsive dermatosis, follicular dysplasia, and pemphigus foliaceus. All of these skin issues can cause secondary skin infections without careful control and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of what each skin condition entails.

Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis

“A colleague of mine has treated a Siberian Husky for zinc-responsive dermatosis in the past,” Dr. MacMillan shares. “This skin condition is most prevalent in Huskies, as well as Alaskan Malamutes, and causes hair loss, skin inflammation, and sores. These dogs are unable to absorb enough zinc through their normal diet, leading to problems. To confirm the diagnosis, she had to take biopsies of the dog’s skin, which helped to rule out other diseases. The dog did very well on regular zinc supplementation, with his fur starting to regrow within a few weeks.”

Follicular Dysplasia

Follicular dysplasia is a disorder caused by abnormal hair follicles. In Siberian Huskies, symptoms typically appear between 3 to 4 months of age and can include hair loss on the trunk of the body, post-clipping alopecia, crimping of the undercoat, and a reddish tint to the skin.

A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on managing skin scaling and any secondary infections, often through supplements, specialized shampoos, topical treatments, and antimicrobials as needed.

Pemphigus Foliaceus

An autoimmune disorder, pemphigus foliaceus is a chronic skin condition resulting from the immune system attacking healthy skin cells. Early symptoms may include pustules, crusting, scaling, and itching, typically beginning on the face and paws. If left untreated, these skin issues can escalate, leading to painful open sores and ulcers.

Pemphigus foliaceus is treated with immunosuppressive medications. However, many dogs with pemphigus foliaceus also experience secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Treatment for these includes prescription oral antibiotics or antifungal medication and topical therapies, such as ointments or shampoos. It‘s most common in older Huskies over four years old.

5. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition characterized by the body’s failure to generate enough thyroid hormones, which in turn slows down metabolism. This prevalent endocrine disorder typically impacts dogs in their middle age, around 6 to 7 years old, and can result in significant health complications if left untreated.

Symptoms

• Unexplained weight gain
• Lethargy
• Decreased activity level
• Abnormal hair loss without itching
• Dry, dull, brittle coat
• Skin darkening
• Recurrent infections in the ears and skin
• Intolerance to cold
• Slow heart rate

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing hypothyroidism in dogs requires blood tests to assess their thyroid hormone levels. Based on other observed signs and symptoms, your veterinarian might recommend further tests to evaluate organ function. Although this condition cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed. Dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism will need to take an oral thyroid replacement hormone for their entire life and have regular testing to ensure the medication dosage is still effective.

6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition caused by inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Over time, the inflamed cells prevent normal digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can lead to secondary health concerns and malnutrition. For Huskies, IBD is mainly thought to be caused by genetics.

Symptoms

• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Noisy tummy
• Flatulence
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Constipation
• Fever
• Abdominal distension
• Swelling of the extremities

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing IBD involves a time-consuming process of ruling out all of the other causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and GI symptoms. While there’s no cure for IBD, diet changes and treatment with immunosuppressants, like steroids, can help improve symptoms, and many dogs can be managed long-term without medication on a specific hypoallergenic diet.

7. Multiple Eye Disorders

Like all purebred dogs, Siberian Huskies are at risk of developing several ocular disorders due to genetics. Here are the most common Husky eye problems. These conditions often affect both eyes, but not necessarily at the same time. Some can also occur concurrently. Dr. MacMillan says, “Breeders should screen their dogs for eye conditions before mating them so that they only breed from healthy individuals.”

• Cataracts: A common condition in many dogs (and humans), cataracts occur when the lens becomes firmer and less transparent. As the cataract matures, it becomes cloudy and blocks more and more light from reaching the back of the eye until vision is lost. Treatment requires surgery.
• Corneal dystrophy: An inherited eye disease, corneal dystrophy causes the cornea to become cloudy but doesn’t typically affect vision. However, it can lead to corneal ulceration, which requires medicated eye drops or surgery in severe cases.
• Uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS): While this condition causes abnormal skin pigmentation, it also leads to serious eye problems, like uveitis and retinal separation. Uveitis can cause blindness.
• Entropian: Entropian causes the eyelids to roll inward, causing the lashes to rub on the eyeball. Signs include squinting, holding the eye shut, and excessive tearing. Treatment requires surgical correction.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is an inherited condition that eventually leads to blindness. It is not painful, but there is no cure.

Symptoms

Unless noted above, many eye problems share similar symptoms.

• Eye sensitivity
• Squinty eyes
• Repeated blinking
• Bloodshot or cloudy eyes
• Yellow or green discharge

8. Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects the kidneys’ ability to efficiently remove waste products from the blood. It typically affects older Huskies from the age of 7 and up. Chronic kidney disease is a condition that can be managed, though it remains incurable. By the time a dog shows symptoms, irreversible damage has typically already taken place.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, symptoms usually don’t occur until there’s a significant reduction in kidney function. Initial signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Decreased appetite
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Low energy

Diagnosis & Treatment

Veterinarians can diagnose CKD through blood chemistry to analyze waste products in the blood and a complete urinalysis to evaluate kidney function. These tests are also helpful in identifying the severity of the disease. With early diagnosis, treatment typically includes initial intravenous fluids (IV) fluid therapy to flush out the kidneys and the bloodstream, followed by a prescription diet, medications, and home fluid therapy to manage the disease. If too much kidney damage has already occurred upon diagnosis, treatment is usually ineffective.

8. Cancer

While Huskies don’t have an increased genetic risk for specific types of cancers, their long lifespan means they’re more likely to develop cancer in their senior years. Below are the most common types of cancer in older, medium-sized breeds, along with symptoms and treatment information.

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma originates in the cells that create blood vessels. This highly aggressive cancer often targets organs like the spleen, liver, and heart, making early diagnosis challenging, as symptoms may not manifest until the condition has advanced.

Typical signs include sudden lethargy, pale gums, or even collapse, often resulting from internal bleeding. Unfortunately, hemangiosarcoma is extremely aggressive and can metastasize quickly. While treatment options such as surgery and chemotherapy are available, the prognosis is frequently not very encouraging.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, the spleen, and bone marrow. Early signs of lymphoma often present as swollen lymph nodes, typically found under the jaw, in the armpits, or around the groin. As the condition progresses, dogs may exhibit symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and a reduced appetite. While lymphoma is recognized as an aggressive cancer, many dogs show a favorable response to chemotherapy, with some achieving remission.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer that can vary in severity from benign to highly aggressive. They typically appear as lumps or bumps on the skin, which can often be confused with non-threatening growths. Therefore, it is essential to monitor any skin changes closely.

If a tumor is detected, the treatment plan will be based on its grade and whether it has metastasized. Generally, surgery is the first line of treatment, while chemotherapy or radiation may be options for more complicated cases.

10. Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a spinal cord disorder that impacts the nerves within the spine in older dogs. Much like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in humans, DM results in gradual muscle weakness and a loss of control over the hind limbs, ultimately resulting in paralysis.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually don’t begin until dogs are around 8 years old, but they can range from 4 to 14 years old. These are the early warning signs:

• Difficulty getting up from a lying position
• Hind end weakness (difficulty climbing stairs, going for walks, jumping onto furniture, etc.)
• Hindquarters appear to sway when standing still
• A dog falls over easily when pushed from the side
• Dragging the hind feet, causing the nails to look worn down

Initial signs usually resemble arthritis, making it crucial to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Regrettably, there is no cure or effective treatment for degenerative myelopathy. While physical therapy and supplements may help slow the disease’s advancement, dogs typically lose their ability to walk within a year, and the condition ultimately leads to death.

Other Husky Health Problems

Although the following concerns may not be quite as common as those above, it’s essential to know other health issues that your Husky could face.

• Obesity: Huskies have a propensity for gaining weight easily. Learn how to determine if your pup is overweight.
• Pica: a condition where dogs develop a habit of eating foreign objects. Often, this can result in a serious intestinal blockage, requiring emergency care.
• Laryngeal paralysis: a condition in which the arytenoid cartilage on one or both sides of the larynx cannot open and close properly, resulting in breathing problems. In moderate to severe cases, surgery is required.
• High blood pressure and heart disease: given that Huskies have a long life expectancy, high blood pressure and heart disease can affect older dogs.
• Shaking Puppy Syndrome 1 (SPS1): a neurologic disease that impacts an affected dog’s ability to walk. SPS1 causes mobility issues very early on and ultimately sudden death by the time the affected dog is 2 years of age.
• Siberian Husky Polyneuropathy 1 (SHPN1): another neurologic disease that impacts a Husky’s ability to walk. SHPN1 is a progressive disease that can severely change an affected dog’s quality of life.

Consider Doing A DNA Test

Conducting a DNA test at home for your Siberian Husky can provide valuable insights into your dog’s health. These kits test for genetic inheritance for various conditions, such as degenerative myelopathy and progressive retinal atrophy. The health tests from Embark and Wisdom Panel are among the top choices available. Check out my reviews of the best at-home dog DNA tests for more information.

However, it’s important to remember that these tests can only indicate if your Husky has a higher likelihood of developing certain genetic conditions. It doesn’t mean that they will actually get the disease. Nevertheless, being aware of any potential risks can assist you and your veterinarian in monitoring for early signs of these diseases.

Average Costs For Several Husky Health Problems

Fetch Pet Insurance says of its insured Siberian Huskies that hip dysplasia, ACL (CCL) tears, and vision disorders are common illnesses they cover. As reported by Fetch, the range of average costs for these health problems is:

• ACL tears: $6,100—$7,700
• Hip dysplasia: $3,000—$4,500
• Vision disorders: $4,000—$6,200

Embrace Pet Insurance lists several conditions as Siberian Husky common health problems. These are the average range of claims for the Huskies this provider insures.

• Hip dysplasia: $1,500—$6,000
• Uveodermatologic syndrome: $1,000—$3,000
• Corneal dystrophy: $300—$3,000
• Entropian: $300—$1,500
• Follicular dysplasia: $200—$500

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions our readers ask most often about Siberian Husky health problems. If you don’t see yours here, ask us in the comments.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Siberian Husky?

The typical lifespan of a Husky ranges from 12 to 14 years. Nonetheless, various factors can influence each dog’s longevity, such as genetics, general health, and lifestyle.

What Do Huskies Usually Die From?

The leading cause of death for Huskies is cancer. Because this breed has a relatively long life expectancy, they’re prone to cancer in their senior years. The same is true for many breeds with long lifespans.

What’s The Best Diet For Siberian Huskies?

Due to the various health concerns that Huskies often face, providing them with the healthiest diet can help manage symptoms and strengthen their immune systems, reducing their susceptibility to illnesses and infections. Check out my top recommendations for the best dog food for Siberian Huskies in all life stages. Despite their high level of activity, Huskies are prone to weight gain. If that sounds like your furry friend, see our reviews of the best dog food for weight loss.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including more than 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products and services, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.