As an Akita owner, you should be aware of the most common Akita health issues. You should know about their history, possible symptoms, and treatments. Having this knowledge can help you treat them before they get worse. Also, you should be aware of the costs associated with different types of treatments.
Symptoms
There are many common health problems that can plague your Akita. You should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure that your dog’s condition is not dangerous. One of the most common diseases affecting this breed is progressive retinal atrophy, which causes vision loss. If left untreated, this disease will cause your dog to go blind. It can be a painful disease that affects both the eye and the skin. Some early symptoms of the disease include dilated pupils and squinting. You should also be aware of other Akita health issues, including cataracts and glaucoma.
Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is another common health problem for Akitas. The stomach twists when the dog is bloated, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and the stomach. The condition can kill the dog within 30 minutes. The dog may retch or be restless. If you notice any of these signs in your Akita, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A veterinarian can perform surgery to prevent the stomach from twisting and can save your dog’s life.
Another common health condition that can affect Akitas is hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. Symptoms include dry skin, weight gain, and susceptibility to other skin diseases. An annual blood screening can help identify this condition, and it can be treated by replacing the thyroid hormone in the dog’s body.
Akitas are at high risk for developing lymphoma, which is a cancer that affects a higher percentage of dogs than any other breed. The disease affects the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that are found throughout the body. Although there is no cure for this disease, treatment can be lifelong. A blood test can detect the disease, and complete blood counts should be performed twice a year.
Akitas are large dogs that thrive in a home environment. They should be socialized and trained from an early age. Although they tend to be healthy in general, they are susceptible to joint problems and hypothyroidism, so you should visit your veterinarian regularly.
Causes
If your Akita dog is experiencing unusual symptoms, it might be a sign of a more serious health problem. Akitas are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a disease in which the retinas become detached from the skin, and the dog eventually becomes blind. Some Akitas also suffer from Uveo-dermatological syndrome, which affects the skin and eyes. In this condition, the retinas detach from the skin loses hair and pigment. Akitas can also develop cataracts, glaucoma, and microphthalmia, a disease of the small eyes. Fortunately, most Akitas recover from these problems naturally.
If you are worried about your Akita’s health, visit your veterinarian for a blood test. Akitas can develop certain kinds of tumors, including cancer, if they aren’t diagnosed early. A veterinarian can perform a blood test to determine the type of tumor and whether it can be treated with surgery.
Another problem that Akitas can develop is sebaceous adenitis, which causes dry skin and patches of hair loss. The condition typically develops in dogs between one and five years old, and treatment may include fatty acid supplements or special shampoos. The early detection of this disease is key to ensuring the best results.
While Akitas are able to adjust well to a home environment, it is vital that they have a consistent schedule. Akitas love to spend time outdoors with their family, but you shouldn’t leave them alone for prolonged periods of time. Akitas are particularly sensitive to heat, and being left outdoors for prolonged periods can cause a variety of health problems. They need to be supervised and exercised regularly.
Akitas need at least two hours of exercise per day. They also love playing in a secure garden. Taking your Akita to the veterinarian early after adoption is important to prevent any health issues. A veterinarian will be able to spot any visible signs of health problems and treat them early.
Akitas are very smart and protective dogs. They should be socialized early to prevent aggression. They do best with one dog per household. As a large breed, Akitas require frequent socialization and training. They don’t tend to bark, but they do need to be supervised around children and other pets.
Treatments
Akitas are prone to developing several health problems, including hip dysplasia and eye disease. Akitas are also vulnerable to lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system and results in a lack of healthy lymphocytes. This condition can cause squinting, watery eyes, and bluing of the cornea. The whites of the eye may also be red, and the affected eye may seem bulging or enlarged. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
An 8-year-old spayed female Akita presented to a veterinarian with acute bilateral blindness. The dog had cloudy eyes and squinting. Physical examination revealed that the dog had a severe reduction in her direct pupillary light reflex and had a low intraocular pressure in both eyes.
Akitas are more prone than other breeds to developing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which is an inherited eye disease that leads to blindness. If not treated, this disease may cause extreme pain and blindness. An Akita’s veterinarian will evaluate its eyes at every exam to rule out any eye disease.
Akitas have high intelligence and are highly protective of their family. They require consistent leadership and socialization from a young age. Although they do well in a household environment, they do not thrive in hot weather. In addition, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. While most Akitas are generally healthy, a visit to a veterinarian will be needed if they do develop joint problems or a high fever.
Another common health issue that an Akita might have is aggression. It can be aggressive with other dogs, particularly other dogs of the same gender. It’s important to socialize an Akita to make sure that it doesn’t get hurt by strangers. Try to avoid taking your dog to dog parks and free-roaming areas where other dogs will be present. Akitas are naturally protective, but you have to be careful when allowing them to roam unsupervised.
Akitas are large, robust dogs weighing 65 to 115 pounds. Their dense double coat needs regular brushing and daily exercise. Because they are protective, Akitas should be socialized early in life, especially with people they know and love.
Costs
Owning an Akita can be expensive. You’ll need to spend between $30 and $100 per month for basic care. These expenses include food and supplies, grooming, license registration, microchip, and medical costs. Other costs you’ll need to consider include extra services such as dog walking or traveling. Overall, the cost to own an Akita can range from $63,835 to $134,480.
Akitas can also develop certain health problems, including renal dysplasia, a genetic form of kidney disease. Symptoms of this condition include excessive water drinking and urine production, and poor appetite and weight loss. Treatment may include fluid therapy and a special diet. Unfortunately, Akitas are among the most expensive breeds to maintain.
Preventative care for an Akita should include yearly vaccinations. Vaccinations, including rabies, may cost up to $150 for a puppy. In addition, annual fecal examinations may be necessary if your pet is regularly exposed to other dogs or has inconsistent stool quality. These exams can cost $40 to $50 per visit.
As with other breeds, Akitas are at risk of developing certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia and uveitis. Akitas are also susceptible to cancer, including lymphoma and lymphosarcoma. The early detection of these illnesses is essential to help your pet live a longer and healthier life.
Considering the expense of an Akita puppy, you can spend as much as $600-$1,980 for the first year of care. In general, Akita puppies should cost between $600 and $1,980, but you should be prepared to spend more if you choose to adopt from a reputable breeder.
