Hip Dysplasia - is an imperfect formation of the ball and socket assembly in the pelvis.  The degree of imperfection can vary from severe to very slight.  Like most large breeds, Malamutes suffer from a high incidence of hip dysplasia.  No one can say for sure how hip dysplasia is inherited, but many feel it is polygenic (many genes involved) and influenced by the environment.  Several registries now screen dogs for this problem including OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and PennHipp.  When you buy a puppy BOTH parents should be evaluated by one of these authorities to lessen your chances of having a puppy with this affliction.   If the diagnosis is clear, a certificate is issued.  In spite of the most conscientious efforts, a majority of breeders produce a small percentage of dysplastic dogs.  These dogs, if not badly affected, can lead normal and happy lives but should not be used for breeding.

Chondrodysplasia - is a genetic disorder whereby there are deformed or "dwarfed" puppies in the litter.  Both parents must be carriers of this disorder to produce "dwarf" puppies.  A carrier can appear normal but still harbor this recessive gene.  In an effort to eradicated this genetic disorder from the Alaskan Malamute the AMCA calculates the probability of a dog producing this disorder by examining the number of ancestors that have produced such puppies.   If the owner has a Malamute whose parents are both certificated, that dog is eligible for it's own certificate.  To be certified the analysis rates the dog as having a 6.25% or less chance of producing chondrodysplasia.   Your puppy should have certified parents.

Juvenile Cataracts, PRA, Day Blindness - With the recent explosion in the number of Alaskan Malamutes producing juvenile cataracts and other eye disease, it is important both parents be certified by an eye registry.  CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) registration shows your breeder supports the goal of eliminating heritable eye disease and provides proof of integrity and commitment in eliminating these problems.  The dog is examined by a canine opthamologist in an effort to remove dogs with eye disease from breeding programs so they will not pass on these diseases to future generations.

"Coat Funk" - Currently there is no way of testing or clearing breeding stock for this newly discovered condition.  It is so new it doesn't even have a scientific name! This condition, similar to follicular dysplasia in Siberian Huskies, results in severe hair loss beginning around the neck and tail and spreading to other areas of the body.  Onset can be at any age and any severity.   The haircoat breaks, falls out and does not regrow.  This is much different than seasonal shedding where the haircoat cycles and replaces itself seasonally.  Not much is known about this condition at this time, it is suspected there is a hereditary link but no one is sure how.  Reputable breeders will remove affected dogs from their breeding programs.   At least 2 large universities are studying the condition at this time and research is inconclusive.

 "Bloat" or Gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) - is an acute, life threatening condition which requires immediate medical or surgical intervention to avoid certain death.    The stomach fills with gas and fluid, twists, cutting off the blood supply to vital organs.  The cause of GDV is unknown, but many contributing factors are suspect including:
 

Heritability has not been proven as a cause.   The current theory is that with a deep-chested breed, the weight of the stomach is pulled downward causing a laxity which allows for the rotation.

Hypothyroidism - There are 2 types of hypothyroidism that occur in Alaskan Malamutes, acquired and congenital.  Acquired occurs in dogs middle age or older.  At birth the dog has a normally functioning thyroid gland, but with age, it stops functioning properly.  Symptoms include sleepiness, seeking warm places, gaining weight, sometimes reproductive disorders, and may or may not include hair loss.   In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is abnormal from birth.    Because it is not functioning properly the puppy cannot grow proportionally at the proper rate.  Some parts may grow faster than others.  Thyroxin is also necessary for proper nerve and brain development, so when deficient, the pups are lethargic and dull.  Treatment for both is a thyroid hormone supplement prescribed by a veterinarian.   While Thyroid testing can be done on the parent dog, it is not that helpful in screening for the disease, since it is not known if this disease is a hereditary condition or how it might be transmitted.

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