5 Common Akitas Health Concerns
While an Akita might appear reserved and quiet around strangers, these sweet dogs are happy to show their goofy side to the ones they love.
Akita pups also make amazing watchdogs and are hardwired to protect their families. These courageous canines will do anything to protect their pack and occupy a special place in Japanese culture. Before you bring home one of these loving dogs, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s health history. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Akita health concerns.
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia is unfortunately a fairly common skeletal condition in which a dog’s hip joint is misaligned with the hip socket. This can be incredibly painful for your pooch and can make it difficult for your dog to carry out his daily routine. You may notice your dog struggling to put weight on any affected leg(s). The condition is usually passed down genetically. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery, physical therapy, stem cell treatments, or lifestyle changes including diet change, added supplements or closely monitoring exercise.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand is a fairly common bleeding disorder that is passed down from one generation to the next. There aren’t any outward symptoms associated with the condition, though your veterinarian may recommend having your puppy screened since Akitas are at risk. Dogs affected by Von Willebrand disease have trouble forming blood clots properly, which can cause excessive blood loss. Depending on the severity of your dog’s condition, your pooch might be put on a medication to help with circulation. Regardless, you’ll need to be especially careful whenever your dog gets an open wound.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy or PRA is the degeneration of photoreceptor cells, rods and cones, in your dog’s eyes. In general, this condition is inherited which speaks to the importance of seeking out a reputable breeder. You may notice your dog bumping into things, or struggling to see in the dark. This progressive disease can unfortunately lead to blindness and does not have a known treatment. However, many dogs are able to live happily with PRA with a few lifestyle modifications.
Myasthenia Gravis
While certain breeds like the Akita may be more predisposed to developing this condition, most cases of Myasthenia Gravis are inherited. This disease is caused by a communication malfunction between the nerves and the muscles. Dogs with this condition may experience lethargy, difficulty breathing, and excessive drooling. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured but it can be treated. Pups affected by the condition will require regularly administered medication for the rest of their lives. Your veterinarian will also have your dog come in regularly for check ups to monitor the condition.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when a dog has an underproductive thyroid gland. Since this gland regulates metabolism, it can cause a variety of issues. You may notice your dog experiencing lethargy, changes in appetite/thirst, or hair loss. This affects every organ in the body, so it’s important to get treated as soon as possible. Dogs with this condition will need to take replacement hormones on a daily basis to stay in balance. Luckily, with this modification, many dogs with hypothyroidism carry out fulfilling, happy lives.
Akita pups come with their own set of health concerns that are important to take into consideration as a responsible pet owner. That being said, these furry friends are certainly worth our extra care and concern! Enjoy life with these proud, patient pups.
Did you know stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your pup as they age. Learn how stem cell banking can help HERE
