THE ALASKAN MALAMUTE

DNA Collection

Hereditary Cataract Research

HEALTH ISSUES

Below is a brief outline of some of the health issues affecting the Alaskan Malamute. Although an idea of the problems faced can be gained, this information is in no way exhaustive.

Gastric Dilation – Volvulus (Bloat / Torsion)

This is a life threatening condition and almost always requires surgery. It is prevalent in most deep chested breeds. Although extensive research has been carried out, a definite cause cannot be established and a genetic link has not been identified. The dog will swallow excessive amounts of air or produce excessive amounts of gas, which causes the stomach to "bloat" (dilation); it may also twist on its axis (volvulus).

Identifying the onset of the condition is of up most importance as veterinary care must be sort immediately. There will be an abnormal enlargement of the abdomen behind the rib cage and then usually non-productive vomiting follows. The general condition of the dog deteriorates rapidly.

The treatment, although opinions vary, will include rapid intravenous fluids and treatment for shock. If the twisting of the stomach is suspected then corrective surgery will be required.

Rapid food consumption is blamed as one cause due to the gulping of air while eating. Avoid allowing competition for food or kennelling males next to females while they are in season, as this causes rapid consumption of food so attention can be given back to the female quickly. Try to limit food and water intake, water before feeding not after and not to frequently change diets to reduce the risk involved. Do not exercise too close to feed time as this is also another suspected cause.

Unfortunately it seems that a dog, which has suffered from bloat, is more that likely to have another episode.

Hip Dysplasia (HD)

Although this is found in almost every breed, large dogs find it more difficult to cope as the extra weight puts more strain on the joint. The cause is an abnormal hip joint structure. The ball and socket joint must rotate and support the weight of the pelvis. Should the joint alter shape in any way this leads to degenerative joint disease and eventual osteoarthritis - a bony change. Diagnosis is carried out by x-raying the pelvic area.

Should a dog have severe abnormalities then stiffness and severe lameness may be noticed as early as 5/6 months old. If a dog has mild abnormalities then lameness may not be shown but stiffness in the hindquarters and a reluctance to stand still without shifting feet may be noticed. An affected dog may "bunny hop" when running where both rear legs appear tied together.

Unfortunately hip dysplasia is not consistent with age of onset, visual identification, and degree of pain or movement. As this condition cannot be cured the only corrective surgery involves removal of the femoral head or a hip replacement.

As it is believed to be an inherited disease all breeding stock must be x-rayed, although this will not guarantee progeny is free from the disease, it will certainly reduce the risk.

Posterior Sub Capsular Cataracts

Although not found especially frequently in the UK this condition does occur in Malamutes and is similar to the condition reported in Siberian Huskies. The condition usually appears by the dog’s first birthday as a triangle in the sub capsular area, which expands to cover the sub capsular cortex. The cataract does stabilize after a variable length of time, so complete blindness is unusual. As it is believed to be an inherited disease all breeding stock must be eye tested, although this will not guarantee progeny is free from the disease, it will certainly reduce the risk.

Coat Funk

Although not prevalent in the UK it is something that may occur as it is thought that the disease is dormant in the breed until triggered off with another ailment. The apparently normal puppy, usually male, once reaching mid age will develop the condition. It appears first around the neck with the guard hairs breaking off, eventually all of the guard hairs break and leave behind the woolly under coat. The head, face and spinal area may be unaffected but the guard hairs will be sparse here. The coat will not shed properly and so the dead hair will have a reddish tinge. One shaved the dog may grow a normal coat but the condition usually reappears.

Chondrodysplasia (Dwarfism)

Although not found in the UK, knowledge of this condition is important due to the number of imports arriving here from affected countries. This condition may be similar to dyschondroplasia found in humans, a simple dwarfism is found in other breeds but the Malamute exhibits a more complex condition involving related anemia, which can exist partially in seemingly unaffected carriers.

Dwarf puppies have angular limb deformities in early puppy-hood, which varies in severity. An x-ray at 3-12 weeks of age will confirm the diagnosis. The front legs are shorter and appear bowed, and puppies will appear uninterested in exercise. The adult dog will appear as normal but with a shorter front stature due to the truncated front legs. Extensive research has been carried out in the USA and findings have been assisting the AMCA in trying to eliminate the affected gene.

Hypothyroidism

Adult onset is the result of lymphocytic thyrioditis or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid, the cause has yet to be determined. Juvenile onset is very rare. The symptoms are lethargy, dullness, hair loss and obesity most of which relate to the basic metabolism. Some bitches do not have a season or have abnormal ones. Darkening of the skin, a cold intolerance and a lowered heart rate can also be signs. As the signs appear gradually it may be the diagnosis is not made until the dog is between 4-10 years old. Diagnosis is carried out by a blood test and treatment is a synthetic hormone given orally. It should be assumed that this condition has a genetic origin and so affected dogs should not be used in a breeding program.

 Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke)

As with all heavy coated breeds the Malamute is susceptible to heatstroke and treatment must be given immediately. This is not restricted to warmer countries and may be caused by over exertion.

The signs are raspy breathing, an increased production of saliva, which appears thickened, mucus membranes turning dark red, and the whites of the eyes become bloodshot. This may be followed by heavy respiration and laboured breathing. The dog may then lay down and become comatose as the condition worsens. Spray the dog with cold water and pack him in ice around the groin, armpit and pads this should be done before transporting to a vet. Call ahead to the veterinary surgery while transporting the dog to alert them to the emergency. Keep the car as cool as possible by opening all windows and turning the air conditioning on full. Never leave dogs in cars as this is the most frequent cause of heat stroke.