Health Problems With American Eskimo Dog

Many purebred dogs are prone to various maladies, but the American Eskimo dog isn't one of them. Generally, Eskies are a pretty healthy breed. That doesn't mean they don't pick up a few genetic problems, but they're relatively rare. With luck, the biggest problem you'll have with your Eskie is keeping his coat sparkling white.

  1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    • Perhaps the most serious condition affecting Eskies is progressive retinal atrophy, an eye disease that leads to complete vision loss. Symptoms generally appear in dogs between the ages of 4 and 6. Initially, the dog has trouble seeing at night. Generally, the dog is totally blind within a year of the appearance of symptoms. While there's no cure for progressive retinal atrophy, most dogs learn to adjust to life without sight. Since genetic testing for the disease in Eskies is available, a breeder should be able to show you that a puppy is not at risk for progressive retinal atrophy. Dogs carrying the gene should not be bred.

    Hip Dysplasia

    • Hip dysplasia results from a congenital malformation of the hip joint. It barely bothers some dogs while rendering others lame. Although your Eskie is born with the condition, it might not become a problem until he's middle-age or older. Symptoms resemble arthritis, with dogs limping and having difficulty rising from a prone position, climbing stairs or getting in and out of vehicles. Your vet will X-ray your dog's hips to diagnose the condition. In mild cases, anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss and regular exercise can help. Severe cases require surgery; hip replacement is an option.

    Diabetes

    • Older Eskies can be at risk for diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. This occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce sufficient amounts of insulin, a hormone necessary to regulate blood sugar. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can rise dangerously high. If your Eskie starts drinking excessive amounts of water and peeing incessantly, he could be suffering from diabetes. Other signs include constant hunger and weight loss, even though the dog consumes plenty of food. Your vet can diagnose diabetes via blood testing and a urinalysis. Treatment might include dietary changes and weight management if your Eskie is fat. Dogs affected more seriously might require daily insulin injections.

    Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

    • If your Eskie is diagnosed with pyruvate kinase deficiency, he lacks an enzyme that helps red blood cell metabolize, leading to anemia. Symptoms include a fast heart rate, lethargy, muscle wasting, and pale gums and mucous membranes. Untreated, PKD is fatal, with dogs succumbing to failure of the bone marrow or liver. Unfortunately, the only successful treatment involves bone marrow transplantation, which is not only costly but carries its own considerable risks.