Snowstruck Alaskan Malamute Kennel :: Malamute Info

Alaskan Malamute Health

Alaskan Malamute owners should be aware of potential health problems, and all breeders should be aware of the different diseases which affect Malamutes, along with their symptoms. When looking for a puppy it is important to look at the Sire and Dam’s hip and eye scores. This will give an indication of Hip Dyslpasia and Progresive Retinal Atrophy. Be wary of a breeder who does not hip or eye score their dogs.

Achondroplasia (dwarfism)
This is an inherited condition and dogs that are affected by this normally have limb deformities which are obvious at an early age. The dog’s forelegs are bowed and the front legs are shortened. Malamutes with this condition should not be bred with.

Hip and elbow dysplasia
These are a common problem in large breeds of dog, including the Alaskan Malamute. It is now common for young dogs to be tested, and x-rayed. The condition happens when there is an abnormal structure of the hip and joints. Evidence of this condition can be seen through stiffness and lameness in the dog’s hips and legs.

A dog has hip dysplasia when its hind leg has an incorrectly formed hip joint. By constant wear, the hip becomes looser, and may become arthritic.

The condition can only be confirmed with an x-ray. Evidence of the condition is the dog walking awkwardly, and it may hop instead of run. It may also use its hind legs in unison, to keep pressure of the weak joint. When sitting it may sit with both legs together on one side of its body and have problems getting up.

Many dogs do adapt to having a bad hip, but unfortunately it becomes more of a problem as the dog ages. This is a inherited disease and can only be diagnosed when the dog is over two years old. Beware of breeders who are breeding with dogs under this age, or dogs that have not been hip scored. The usual solution is surgical. The pectineus muscle and the round part of the femur are removed. The pelvis is then reconstructed and a artificial hip is used.

PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)
This a disease that causes degeneration in the dog’s retina. Symptoms start with night blindness, that will lead to total blindness. An ophthlamic exam will detect PRA and dogs are given a rating. There is no treatment for the disease, and dogs that have it should never be part of any breeding programme.

Gastric dilation/volvulus (also called bloat)
Again this affects many large, deep-chested breeds including the Malamute. Unfortunately quite a number of dogs die from this condition. The stomach fills with gas and fluid, and then twists which pinches the stomach’s blood vessels which creates a severe swelling. There are a number of contributory factors such as eating large amounts of food quickly, being male, being underweight and having a nervous temperament.

Hypothyroidism
This is a thyroid condition which is shown by lethargy and recurrent infections. It is sometimes accompanied by hair loss and cuteneous infections. It is a difficult endocrine disease to diagnose as a number of different drugs and illneses affect the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Treatment is effective through medication.