Malamute health problems

DNA RESEARCH REQUESTS - Request for DNA samples of dogs affected with Hereditary Cataracts and that of their close relatives

CHIC DNA COLLECTION - For the AKC/OFA and Canine Health Information Centre (CHIC) DNA repository

© The Alaskan Malamute Club UK

The breed has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years and are generally very hardy dogs.

Hip Dysplasia

This is another genetic disorder that affects Malamutes. Simply put,
hip dysplasia is a deformation in the hip joint. That is, the head of
the femur does not sit solidly in the acetabulum. The joint lacks
tightness, and the condition results in a painful and often
debilitating life for the dog. Hip dysplasia is considered to be a
moderately inheritable condition. Breeders will usually have breeding
pairs OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified prior to
breeding. OFA certification can be given only after a dog is over 24 months old.

Bloat
(gastric torsion & stomach distension)


Bloat is a serious painful life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Almost one-third of dogs will die, or must be euthanized following a bloat episode. Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Alaskan Malamute,Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes. Many experts believe that feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise,changes in diet, feeding one large meal of dry-type food daily.(It is best to manage this latter risk by feeding smaller, more frequent meals) or severe stress may also contribute to this serious condition.
Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling,May refuse to lie down or even sit down,Pacing,Whining, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress. Dogs suffering from bloat cannot swallow, belch or vomit, and they will drool. and show increasing discomfort as stomach gases expand.The pressure causes the abdomen to distend, and the stomach may feel very hard or make A noise like a drum when tapped.the dog may even Collapse,If you suspect your dog is bloating, get him to the vet immediately-bloat is an emergency

Chrondrodysplasia (CHD)

Chondrodysplasia - is a genetic disorder whereby there are deformed or "dwarfed" puppies in the litter. Both parents must be carriers of this disorder to produce "dwarf" puppies. A carrier can appear normal but still harbor this recessive gene. In an effort to eradicated this genetic disorder from the Alaskan Malamute the AMCA calculates the probability of a dog producing this disorder by examining the number of ancestors that have produced such puppies. If the owner has a Malamute whose parents are both certificated, that dog is eligible for it's own certificate. To be certified the analysis rates the dog as having a 6.25% or less chance of producing chondrodysplasia. Your puppy should have certified parents.

Day blindness

Health concerns in the breed include Day blindness which is a condition which causes dogs (in this case the Alaskan Malamute) to be "blind" in bright light.

With the recent explosion in the number of Alaskan Malamutes producing juvenile cataracts and other eye disease, it is important both parents be certified by an eye registry. CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) registration shows your breeder supports the goal of eliminating heritable eye disease and provides proof of integrity and commitment in eliminating these problems. The dog is examined by a canine opthamologist in an effort to remove dogs with eye disease from breeding programs so they will not pass on these diseases to future generations.

Hot spots


Malamutes can be prone to hot spots, which are red, itchy infected areas of skin.They can also take the form of
loose coat that does not appear to be attached to the skin. when the girls get one I clean it with hipiscrub and compact it with athlete's foot powder or I clean it with betadine followed by fuciderm cream (from the vets) I also give piriton tablet to give fast relief from the itching.Do not let you dog lick or sratch the hot spot as it will only worsen it .See your veterinarian immediately if it does not start to heel.

Kennel cough

Kennel cough is found in boarding kennels and anywhere else where there are large numbers of dogs. It passes quickly from one dog to another, and can put a show dog out of circulation for quite along time. However, it is note a serious problem for adult dogs, who seem to be able to get over it quite easily. In puppies, however, it is more damaging. Kennel cough weakens them and takes a great toll on their general health, setting them back in their progress. If they get the disease, they should be given antibiotics by a veterinary surgeon to prevent any secondary infection. There are a variety of views as to how kennel cough should be treated, and progress is being made all the time, so if you have any worries it is a good idea to seek qualified veterinarian help.

 A very helpfull link Alaskan malamute health