VET APPROVED

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Samantha Devine

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Akitas are a gorgeous breed originally hailing from Japan. With their thick coat, sturdy stature, and loyalty, it’s no wonder people saved the breed when it was close to extinction. Akitas are as loyal as they come in the dog world but must be socialized well from an early age. They are large dogs, getting upwards of 100 pounds in many cases. Being a large breed dog, they are at risk for specific injuries and orthopedic conditions.

That’s not all the Akita can develop, however. If you’re looking at an Akita to own, you’re probably wondering what Akita health issues there are for you to know.

The 10 Akita Health Issues You Need to Know

1. Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer comes in many forms and affects all dogs. Akitas may be a little more prone to some types of cancer. Your veterinarian will examine your dog from nose to tail each time you come in for a visit. That said, if you notice a new bump on your dog, it can be beneficial to note it to your vet. (If your dog will tolerate it, trimming the hair over the lump with clippers can help you and your veterinary team find the mass during your visit.)

Osteosarcoma tends to affect medium and large-breed dogs, with Akitas among those. It is bone cancer. One common saying among veterinarians is that you’ll typically find it affecting a bone “away from the elbow or towards the knee.” Some dogs show signs of pain and limping, while others may present with a pathologic fracture of the affected bone.

2. Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury

The knee (also known as the stifle joint in pets) has several structures that help stabilize it. The cranial cruciate ligament and caudal cruciate ligament form a rough “X” within the knee joint. Like many large breed dogs, Akitas have straighter legs and are at risk for the front or cranial ligament to tear.

You can compare this injury to an ACL injury in a person. It’s painful and debilitating. Most large dogs need surgery to correct the tear. Your veterinarian will usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like carprofen and recommend strict cage rest to allow your pet to heal. Sometimes, a leg brace can also help your dog.

3. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the joint abnormalities that your Akita could be affected by. There is a deformity of the hip’s ball and socket joint, where the socket is irregular rather than smooth, or the hip doesn’t have enough coverage over the head of the femur. There is a genetic risk associated with hip dysplasia, so many dog breeders have screening X-rays taken of their dogs’ hips before breeding.

Dogs can be affected by hip dysplasia from a young age. However, many only have issues once they’re older and develop signs associated with arthritis.

4. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

Surgery is sometimes an option, where your dog may have a procedure such as a total hip replacement. You’ll also want to keep your dog lean because being overweight can increase their risk for joint problems. (Fat cells or adipocytes also release hormones that can increase inflammation.)

Gastric dilatation volvulus is also known as GDV or, even more commonly, bloat. With bloat, the stomach fills with gas and twists, hence the dilatation and volvulus parts of the condition’s name. This condition is typically diagnosed with X-rays.

We tend to think of bloat affecting Great Danes, but it typically occurs in any deep-chested dog, including Akitas. When the stomach twists, it can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and spleen. It is a surgical emergency and is life-threatening.

5. Hypothyroidism

Thyroid issues can cause a lot of changes in our dogs.

The behavior changes you can see with hypothyroidism can include aggression. Some dogs start picking fights with other dogs in the house. They can also become fearful and withdrawn.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test. Your veterinarian may recommend checking your pet if they’re suspicious your dog is hypothyroid. Still, many veterinary hospitals check it as part of routine blood work, especially with senior dogs.

6. Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is a condition that Akitas appear to be predisposed to developing. There’s an inherited firm and an acquired form, with the immune-mediated acquired form typically affecting Akita dogs. Nerves and muscles do not communicate effectively with this condition, so affected dogs may have weakness.

Dogs with myasthenia gravis can develop megaesophagus, where the esophagus dilates, and dogs can’t swallow correctly. There are some treatment options, such as with anti-acetylcholinesterase medications. Dogs with megaesophagus may have to eat out of elevated bowls or in a unique gadget that helps them eat with a reduced risk of aspirating if they regurgitate.

7. Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic eye condition. While affected dogs are generally born with the ability to see, over time, their retina degenerates, and they go blind. If your dog is affected, you might initially see that they have terrible seeing in low-light conditions. Your veterinarian might notice that your dog’s pupils are dilated during an exam when they should constrict in response to light.

There is no cure for PRA. Veterinarians can perform testing to help diagnose your dog with the condition.

8. Sebaceous Adenitis

Akitas are more at risk for developing sebaceous adenitis than many other breeds. This relatively uncommon condition is an autoimmune disease where inflammation targets the sebaceous glands in the skin.

Pups affected with sebaceous adenitis may need antibiotics to control bacterial skin infections. However, they should only be used when needed. Your veterinarian may use medications like Atopica (cyclosporine).

Topical therapies are vital to treating and controlling signs associated with sebaceous adenitis. Shampoos and mousses that get massaged into the skin are your best bet, although some people use sprays to treat the skin. (These medications could be less effective because Akitas have a thick, dense hair coat.) Giving your dog fatty acid supplements can also help strengthen their skin barrier.

9. Von Willebrand Disease

Several clotting factors and proteins are essential to help stop bleeding in pets and people. Some dogs, such as Akitas, are at a higher risk for having lower amounts of one protein, von Willebrand factor protein. Without an adequate amount of this protein, they’re at a higher risk of having uncontrollable bleeding after an injury or surgery.

There are laboratory tests that can help diagnose bleeding abnormalities. Some genetic tests will evaluate dogs to see if they may be at risk for von Willebrand disease. There isn’t a cure, but for surgical procedures or if your dog is injured, your veterinarian can administer blood and plasma products to help control bleeding. You should not breed an affected dog since the condition has a genetic component.

10. Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

Akitas can be at risk for Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. There are several forms of this condition, where either pets cannot absorb enough zinc from their diet, or their diet is unbalanced and doesn’t contain enough bioavailable zinc. Not having enough zinc can cause skin issues and immune system problems.

Affected dogs may have crusting around their eyes and mouth, most commonly in areas where the skin meets mucous membranes. Their coats are usually dry and lackluster. Your vet may need to run tests such as a skin biopsy to diagnose Zinc Responsive Dermatosis. If the diet doesn’t have appropriate amounts of zinc, you could switch the food, but if they’re having issues absorbing it from their food, you’ll need to give your dog a high-quality zinc supplement, usually for life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do Akitas live?

According to the American Kennel Club, Akitas typically have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some conditions, such as bloat, can occur suddenly and be life-threatening. The good news is that with proper preventative care and nutrition, your Akita has the potential to live a long and happy life with you.

Are Akitas overall healthy dogs?

Akitas are a generally healthy dog breed, but they are at risk for certain conditions. Simple screening tests can help minimize the chance of issues in future generations, from hip X-rays to a DNA cheek swab, to see if your dog carries gene mutations that may be associated with von Willebrand Disease.

Conclusion

Akitas are amazing dogs, but like any breed, they’re at risk for developing certain health conditions. Your veterinarian will help you manage these diseases and problems but preventing them through responsible breeding and genetic screening are the best ways to promote a healthy breed.

Featured Image Credit: Anaite, Shutterstock