Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky Health and Life Expectancy

Are you interested in adopting a dog? How about adopting a Siberian Husky? Siberian husky, originating from Siberia is a very popular sled dog in Northern America. With its athletic built, a desire to work, it stays healthy for a longer period of time. On an average note, a Siberian husky life expectancy is around 12-15 years, give or take a few. However due to illness or other health problems, this life expectancy rate may be cut short.

If you are going to adopt one such dog, you should also educate yourself about certain common illnesses related to the Siberian Husky. Some of the most common illness amongst the Siberian Husky includes the following.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Genetic Defect of the Eye

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is basically a deformity where the hip socket has an abnormal formation and can lead to arthritis. Such condition is not congenital and may form within the first two years. It is intensified with the frequent exercise, lying down, or climbing the stairs.

Therefore it is advisable to ensure proper feeding of the Siberian husky at a young age and to provide adequate healthy food, to avoid this disability.

Genetic Defect of Eye

Amongst many possible eye defects, only three stand out as far as the Siberian husky is concerned.

These are

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hereditary or juvenile cataract
• Corneal Dystrophy

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRA, affects the retina. Progressing from stage to stage, it will cause night vision, then day vision and eventually lead up to blindness. It is a genetic illness, and a test is under research which will be able to identify the females carrying the affected X chromosome, resulting in this disease being eradicated from breeding programs.

Hereditary or juvenile cataracts are marked by cloudiness in the lens of a young dog as young as at the age of 3 months. A cataract may cause slight decrease in eye sight to complete blindness. The impulse and impact of the cataract usually depends upon the location and stage of development.

Corneal Dystrophy concerns the cornea. In most cases, the huskies with this deformity have to deal with misty or obscure opacity.

Some of the other health issues, concerning the Siberian Husky include

• Hypothyroidism
• Canine Epilepsy
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Health disorders and deformities aside, a Siberian husky naturally has a life rate of 12-15 years. At the end of its life it may become lazy and unresponsive. That usually means that the time has come for the husky to expire. Whether you wait for it to die naturally or go euthanasia and ask a vet to give it a shot that is entirely up to you.

However to maintain a healthy life for your Siberian husky, it is better to have regular check ups done at the vet’s and also to exercise at least three to four times a week, to keep it healthy as well as happy.