Huskies Have Weird Health Problems
I thought Huskies were supposed to be tough. Sled dogs, arctic survival, all that. But Storm taught me that working breeds have their own set of expensive issues.
Eye Problems Hit Young
Storm's cataracts started when he was four. I noticed his eyes looked cloudy in certain light, but I figured it was normal aging.
Wrong. The vet said cataracts in Huskies are genetic and often show up early.
Surgery to remove cataracts was $3,000 per eye. Storm needed both eyes done. The surgeon said without surgery, he'd be completely blind within a year.
But here's the thing about cataract surgery in dogs: it doesn't always work. There's a chance of complications, retinal detachment, glaucoma.
Storm's surgery went well, but he needed eye drops twice daily for the rest of his life. Special food to prevent diabetes. Regular check-ups with the eye specialist.
Six months later, he developed glaucoma in one eye. Another $2,000 in treatment to save his vision.
The eye specialist said Huskies get all kinds of eye problems. Cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy. Basically, their eyes are genetically defective.
Hip Problems from All That Running
Two years after the eye surgeries, Storm started slowing down on hikes. I thought he was just getting older.
But then he started having trouble getting up from lying down. His back legs seemed stiff in the mornings.
X-rays showed hip dysplasia in both hips. The vet said it's less common in Huskies than other breeds, but it still happens.
Storm's case was moderate. Not bad enough for immediate surgery, but bad enough to cause pain and limit his activity.
We tried conservative treatment first. Joint supplements, pain medication, physical therapy. $200 per month for medications and therapy.
But Storm was miserable. He wanted to run and play like he used to, but his hips wouldn't let him.
Hip replacement surgery would be $6,000 per hip. The orthopedic surgeon said Storm was a good candidate, but recovery would be tough.
Six weeks of restricted activity for a dog who's used to running ten miles a day. That was going to be torture for both of us.
Skin Problems from Zinc Issues
Around the same time as the hip problems, Storm developed weird crusty patches around his nose and ears.
The vet said it might be zinc deficiency. Apparently some Huskies can't absorb zinc properly from their food.
Blood tests confirmed it. Storm's zinc levels were way too low.
Treatment was lifelong zinc supplements. Special shampoo for his skin. Regular blood tests to monitor his levels.
Not as expensive as the eye or hip problems, but another monthly cost. Another thing to worry about.
The dermatologist said zinc deficiency can cause immune problems too. Storm would be more susceptible to skin infections and other issues.
Great. Another genetic problem I didn't know about when I got a Husky.
What Husky Insurance Needs to Cover
Storm's medical bills taught me that Husky insurance needs to cover some pretty specific problems that other breeds don't have.
Eye Surgery and Ongoing Eye Care
My first insurance policy had a $5,000 limit on eye conditions. Storm's cataract surgeries alone cost $6,000.
But eye problems in Huskies don't stop with one surgery. Storm needed ongoing monitoring, medications, and treatment for complications.
I switched to a policy with unlimited eye coverage. Costs more, but eye problems in Huskies are lifelong.
Some policies exclude hereditary eye conditions. But in Huskies, most eye problems are hereditary. What's the point of eye coverage that doesn't cover Husky eye problems?
Make sure your policy covers hereditary conditions that develop after enrollment. Most Husky eye problems show up later in life.
Escape and Adventure-Related Injuries
Storm escaped from my yard twice before I figured out how he was getting out. Huskies are notorious escape artists.
The first time, he got hit by a car. Minor injuries, but the emergency vet bill was $1,800.
The second time, he came home with a deep cut on his leg from who knows what. Another $600 for stitches and antibiotics.
Huskies get into trouble. They're adventure dogs with no sense of danger.
Make sure your policy covers accidents and injuries, not just illnesses. Storm's escape attempts cost more than his routine medical care.
Ongoing Management of Multiple Conditions
Storm has eye problems, hip problems, and skin problems. Everything needs ongoing management.
Monthly medications, quarterly check-ups, annual specialist visits. It adds up fast.
Some insurance policies only cover treatment when problems develop. They don't cover ongoing management of chronic conditions.
But with Huskies, many health problems are chronic. Storm will need eye medications and hip management for the rest of his life.
Look for policies that cover ongoing treatment, not just initial diagnosis and treatment.