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Siberian Husky Dog — Clinical Risk Profile | VetTools | VetTools Clinical Intelligence

Siberian Husky

DOG· MEDIUM· Lifespan: 12-14 years

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📋 Breed Predispositions

Condition	Prevalence	Onset	Severity	Screening
X-Linked Progressive Retinal Atrophy (RPGR)	Breed-specific X-linked form; males affected, females carry	2-5 years	SEVERE	RPGR genetic test plus annual CAER exam. The X-linked inheritance means a carrier dam transmits to half her sons — pedigree matters more than the individual result.
Uveodermatologic Syndrome (VKH-like)	Over-represented	1-4 years	SEVERE	Bilateral uveitis with depigmentation of the nose, lips and eyelids. Same-day ophthalmic referral — vision loss is fast and immunosuppression is time-critical.
Hereditary (Juvenile) Cataracts	Elevated	6-18 months	MODERATE RISK	CAER exam at 12 months and annually — earlier than most breeds warrant.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis	Breed-classic (with Alaskan Malamute)	1-3 years	MODERATE RISK	Skin biopsy for crusting and alopecia around the eyes, muzzle and ears. Responds to zinc supplementation, often lifelong — do not treat as an ordinary pyoderma.
Corneal Dystrophy	Elevated	2-5 years	MILD	CAER exam; usually a non-painful bilateral opacity that rarely affects vision.
Hypothyroidism	Elevated	4-8 years	MILD	Total T4 with TSH annually after age 4.