The Siberian Husky as a Breed is fairly healthy overall, however there are certain Conditions to which the Breed is susceptible, this is why our Club promotes and encourages Health Testing (Eye Tests and Hip Scoring) of any Dog and Bitch before Breeding from them, some of these Conditions are:
 
EYES:
Hereditary Cataracts, Glaucoma, Persistent Pupillary Membrane, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Retinal Dystrophy. The most serious of these being Glaucoma, this is very painful for the dog as it is in Human Beings, whilst the other Conditions are less serious any dog/bitch affected by any of these should not be Bred from. Tests for these Conditions run about £75 to £100 per dog/bitch. One of our Members holds an annual All Breed Eye Clinic, details will be posted on this page, keep a look out for it in 2014. Dr Ian Millar of Earlswood Vets in Belfast can also Eye Test your Sibe

HIPS:
Hip Dysplasia can be an inherited condition and is basically caused by poorly formed Hip Joints, these can lead to dislocation and osteoarthritis which are very painful for the dog/bitch. In the U.K. and Ireland the Vet will take X Rays of the Hips and send them to a panel of Vets who 'score' the Hips, generally combined Hip Scores of 15 ( Both dog and bitch) are acceptable, but the lower the Hip Score the better, best being 0. Your Vet should be able to X Ray your Sibe and under the BVA Health Scheme will charge around £150 for this test

ZRD (Zinc Responsive Dermatosis) or Zinc Deficiency:
ZRD is a Recessive Genetic Abnormality seen in Northern Breeds of Dog, basically it means that the dog finds it hard to retain Zinc. Zinc supplements and enzymes are available to manage the condition. It can be confused with Mange so Vets advice should be sought, usually starts as 'scaby' areas around the muzzle and eyes

THYROID DEFICIENCY:
This is also an inherited condition where the earliest sign is lack of energy in the Siberian, a blood test is needed to identify and diagnose the condition. It is treatable with medication from the Vet

CHEWING FEET:
Most Siberians have a habit of chewing their feet, at times for hours on end they will lick or chew their paws, if there are no cuts or damage noted on the paws then this is nothing to worry about