Akita Dog Breed Health Issues
The Akita is prone to the following major
health conditions:
Canine Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia
is an abnormal formation of the hip socket
that, in its more severe form, can eventually
cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis
of the joints. It is a polygenic trait,
that is affected by environmental factors
in the production of the final phenotype.
It can be found in many animals and occasionally
in humans, but is most commonly associated
with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds,
particularly the larger breeds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive
Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic
diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs
and, more rarely, cats. It is characterized
by the bilateral degeneration of the retina,
causing progressive vision loss culminating
in blindness. The condition in nearly
all breeds is inherited as an autosomal
recessive trait, with the exception of
the Siberian Husky and the Bullmastiff.
There is no treatment.
The Akita is prone to the following
minor health conditions:
Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow dysplasia is
a condition involving multiple developmental
abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the
dog, specifically the growth of cartilage
or the structures surrounding it. These
abnormalities, known as 'primary lesions',
give rise to osteoarthritic processes.
Gastric Torsion - Gastric Torsion is
a medical condition in which the stomach
becomes overstretched by excessive gas
content. It is also commonly referred
to as bloat, gastric torsion, and gastric
dilatation-volvulus (GDV) when the stomach
is also twisted.
Cruciate Ligament Rupture - The ruptured
cruciate ligament is the most common knee
injury of the dog; in fact, chances are
that any dog with a sudden rear leg lameness.
Osteosarcoma - Osteosarcoma is a malignant
bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is common in
large breed dogs.
Lymphosarcoma - Lymphosarcoma is a cancer
that begins in the lymphocytes of the
immune system and presents as a solid
tumor of lymphoid cells.
Hypothyroidisim - Hypothyroidism is a
condition in which the thyroid gland does
not make enough thyroid hormone. Early
symptoms: Being more sensitive to cold;
Constipation; Depression; Fatigue or feeling
slowed down.
The Akita occasionally has problems
with the following health conditions:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive
Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic
diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs
and, more rarely, cats. It is characterized
by the bilateral degeneration of the retina,
causing progressive vision loss culminating
in blindness. The condition in nearly
all breeds is inherited as an autosomal
recessive trait, with the exception of
the Siberian Husky and the Bullmastiff.
There is no treatment.
Patellar Luxation - Patellar Luxation
is the abnormal shallow groove in the
knee sot hat the knee cap slips n and
out of the position, cuasing lameness.
Patellar Luxation is most common in small
dogs.
Entropion - Entropion is the inversion
of the eyelids, so that they roll inward,
often irritating the eye.
Epilepsy - Epilepsy is a common chronic
neurological disorder characterized by
recurrent unprovoked seizures. These seizures
are transient signs or symptoms of abnormal,
excessive or synchronous neuronal activity
in the brain.
Cataracts - Cataracts are opacities in
the lens of the eye, which can cause blindness.
Polyneuropathy - Polyneuropathy is a
weakness or paralysis of of limbs due
to problems with peripheral nerves.
About the Author:
Logan Winters is a long time dog owner
and horseman, provides content for for
Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net
and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net
leading portals for pet management.
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