Common Health Issues
Health
Norwegian Buhunds are generally a fairly healthy breed that does not suffer from a ton of health conditions. Most buhunds are healthy for their entire live typically living to 12+ years of age. However with all breeds there are some health issues of concern.
Commonly occuring issues in the breed:
1) Cataracts: Clouding of the lens of the eye, commonly seen in older dogs
2) Cerebellar Ataxia: The inability to coordinate muscle movement due to disease or injury to the cerebellum
3) Hip Dysplasia: A disease where the hip joint forms incorrectly, leading to looseness or laxity. Over time, this laxity causes arthritis to develop, leading to pain and discomfort.
4) Patellar Luxation: The kneecap slides or pops out of place from the femoral groove when the knee flexes, causing the dislocation.
5) Elbow Dysplasia: A disease where the elbow forms incorrectly, leading to looseness or laxity. Over time, this laxity causes arthritis to develop, leading to pain and discomfort.
6) Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time
Additionally there have been Norwegian Buhunds with the following health conditions although the prevalence is unknown and not believed to be widespread:
1) Irritable bowel disease (IBD) and other food sensitivities
2) Eye Diseases Such as Pannus and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
3) Cranial Cruciate Ligement (CCL) diseases
4) Hypothyroidism, Cushings, and other endocrine disorders
5) Degenerative Mylenopthy (DM)
6) Epilepsy
As such in order to get a CHIC number through the OFA dogs are required to have:
Hips (After the age of 2), Eyes (Yearly) and DNA repository.
Additionally breeders may choose to do:
Elbows, Patellas, DNA testing