Following are health disorders known to have occurred in Akitas, in which inheritance is known or suspected. These genetic diseases may exist in all bloodlines Akita lines. Reputable
breeders screen against those genetically-based diseases known to exist in their dogs'
ancestries by screening breeding animals for disorders for which there are accepted tests. At a minimum, Akitas used for breeding purposes should be screened and certified normal for hip dysplasia, eye disorders and thyroid function).
This information is provided to educate and to inform, not to
alarm. All dogs, even
mixed-breed dogs,
may harbor genes for disease that are not
expressed.
For
additional information on inheritance and population diversity
in purebred dogs CLICK
HERE
GENETIC DISEASES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN
AKITAS
Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism): a disease characterized by inadequate
secretion of cortisone from the adrenal glands. Most common in Old English sheepdogs,
standard poodles and bearded collies but also occurs in other breeds including
Akitas. Requires lifelong replacement therapy of mineralocorticoids
and glucocorticoids (prednisone, prednisolone, etc.)
Behavioral abnormalities: a whole range
of abnormal behavior patterns, such as aggression, panic disorders, etc.
Cancer:
Cataracts (Juvenile): A cataract is described as when the eye develops an opacity, a white film, of the ocular lens or its capsule. Juvenile Cataracts are those that develop at an early stage in life. There is evidence that the condition is genetically passed from one generation to the next as autosomal recessive genes. In order for any autosomal recessive characteristic to appear in an offspring, both parents must either be carriers, or have the recessive characteristic.
Cataract with microphthalmia: a condition
where a dog has cataracts along with abnormally small eyes.
Cell-mediated immunodeficiency: a deficiency of
T-lymphocyte function causing impaired immunity, chronic recurrent infections and stunted
growth. More commonly seen in weimaraners and dachshunds but occurs in Akitas.
Corneal
dystrophy:
an abnormality of the
cornea usually characterized by shallow pits in the surface.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism): a disease characterized by an excess
secretion of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands. (See Addison's
disease)
Entropion: an abnormal rolling in of the
eyelid causing tearing or "weepy" eyes. May damage the cornea
due to abrasion from the lids and eyelashes.
Eversion
of the nictitating eyelid: a
condition where the third eyelid is protruding.
Eye
abnormalities: any of a number of
problems with the eye. Screened by having all bredding animals examined and
certified by a licensed verinary opthamologist. Results
are reported to and accessible through the Canine Eye Registration
Foundation.
Glaucoma: abnormally high pressure in the
eye.
Glycogen storage disease: a syndrome characterized by an inability to store and
utilize carbohydrates.
Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis: a disease of sebaceous skin glands
characterized by reactive tissue growth and autoimmune destruction of the sebaceous
glands. Hair loss occurs and is poorly responsive to treatment. Common in standard
poodles, Akitas, Samoyeds and Vizslas.
Hemolytic anemia: anemia caused by the destruction of the red blood cells by an
autoimmune process. Particularly common in cocker spaniels and Old English sheepdogs, as
well as several other breeds.
Hip dysplasia: a developmental
malformation or subluxation of the hip joints. All Akitas to be used
for breeding purposes should be screened by radiographs submitted
to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's disease: a disease where the adrenal glands
are overactive.
Hypothyroidism: a common endocrine disease
where the body produces an abnormally low amount of thyroid hormones. An autoimmune
destruction of the thyroid gland which affects more than 50 dog breeds.
Intestinal malabsorption: a disease where the intestinal tract does not absorb
nutrients properly. Also known as protein- losing enteropathy as a consequence of
inflammatory bowel disease. In Irish setters there is also a wheat-sensitive enteropathy.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis: an autoimmune
disease causing inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland, which becomes
infiltrated with lymphocytes (white blood cells) and leads to hypothyroidism. This is the
most common endocrine disease of the dog and has an inherited predisposition.
Lysosomal 'storage' diseases: a group of progressive multifocal neurologic
disorders caused by specific enzyme deficiencies leading to death of nerve cells and
accumulation of their respective enzyme substrates in cells.
Microphthalmia: a condition where one or
both eyes are too small.
Osteochondritis dissecans: a specific form of inflammation of the cartilage of
certain joints which causes arthritis.
Osteochondrosis: a group of developmental diseases resulting in abnormal
formulation of joint cartilage. Commonly involves the shoulder, stifle, hock or elbow.
Pemphigus foliaceous: another skin disease caused by autoimmune destruction of
tissues.
Persistent pupillary membranes:
Structural remnents of a membrane which normally covers the pupil before an animal is born. Pupillary membranes help in supplying the developing nens blood suppy. Absorption of this membrane is usually complete by 4 weeks of age (sometimes longer). Partial membranes that do not completely regress become PPMs.
* Progressive retinal atrophy: a disease
where the retina slowly deteriorates, eventually causing blindness.
Rage syndrome: see Temporal
Lobe Epilepsy.
Retinal dysplasia: a condition where the
retina is malformed.
Sebaceous adenitis: see Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: (also
called "episodic dyscontrol," "rage," or "Spaniel
rage") an epileptic disorder resulting in sudden, unprevoked attacks and biting,
induced by relatively trivial events and which can be described as "sudden,"
"explosive," and "as though a switch was flipped." Animals affected
may be sleeping or in a very relaxed, even mesmerized state or may be restless prior to
the attack. Dogs may sleep after the attack. Known to be heritable. Often
confused with dominance aggression.
Thrombocytopenia: a reduced number of platelets in the blood which causes
pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin and mucosa. Often accompanies #146 as an autoimmune
syndrome called Evans syndrome.
Thyroiditis: an autoimmune inflammatory
disease of the thyroid gland.
Umbilical hernia: a break in the abdominal
muscle wall at the point where the umbilical cord enters the body.
Uveodermatoligic Syndrome (UDS, VKH-like syndrome): An immune-mediated disorder causing inflammation of eye tissues (uveitis, conjuctivitis, retinal detachment, corneal opacity) and depigmentation of skin and hair. Cause presently unknown but a genetic link is suspected as well as "trigger" mechanisms (environmental, viral, bacterial or protozoal).
VKH / Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrom": See Uveodermatologic Syndrome
von Willebrand's disease: a type of bleeding disorder caused by defective blood
platelet function. Occurs in 59 dog breeds but most often in Doberman pinschers. An
autosomal trait affecting both sexes.
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