Every dog breed is prone to at least one medical condition or another. It is part and parcel of selective breeding because purebred dogs have a limited gene pool – this is what can lead to medical issues.
One problem that Husky enthusiasts will be all too aware of is their vision.
There are four main conditions that can affect Husky eyesight, and to that end, it is a good idea to get proper medical insurance should your Husky require veterinary treatment in the form of medication, tests, and/or surgery.
In this article, we will be exploring Husky eye insurance. Insurance companies recommend that Husky owners take their dog or dogs to a veterinary ophthalmologist once a year for a check-up.
Puppies and Husky Breeders
Before buying a Husky puppy, it is best practice to speak to the breeder about the dogs and ask to see veterinary records that show that the dam and sire of a litter have a sound vision. This can save you a lot of heartache and expense in the long run.
Husky Eyes
Huskies are known for their tendency to have HETEROCHROMIA, which dilutes the color of the iris of one eye to the point that it looks green or blue. But this does not affect the dog’s vision. Similarly, Huskies are quite likely to have two blue eyes – they have a 40 percent chance of this; it is an inherited trait that once again does not affect the dog’s ability to see.
Husky Health Vision Problems
Learn more about: Can Dogs Have Green Eyes?
The four main conditions that affect Husky eyesight are ENTROPION, PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY (PRA), CORNEAL DYSTROPHY, and JUVENILE CATARACTS.
- Entropion is a condition where the eyelid folds inside the eye socket, thus causing the eyelashes to rub on the eyeball. If untreated, this can cause blindness in dogs.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a condition where part of the eye, called the retina, slowly degenerates. In puppies, this usually appears by the age of 3 to 6 months. But it can suddenly appear in senior dogs too. This condition causes gradual vision loss over a period of one to two years; it starts off as night blindness (the retina is the part of the eye that detects light) and results in complete blindness. PRA can be detected via a cheek swab or a blood test. Huskies it is thought to be sex-linked and are more common in male dogs. These dogs should not be used in breeding.
- Corneal Dystrophy is a condition where part of the eye, called the cornea, becomes cloudy and may result in blindness. This affects both eyes. It can’t be halted; drugs and surgery are only mildly effective if at all.
- Juvenile Cataracts are not inherited and they are fairly rare. They appear from the age of 6 months to 6 years. Huskies can be prone to this. Signs to look out for are white spots in the middle of the eye (on the pupil) and the dog may squint, scratch at their eyes, or bump into things. This often accompanies PRA.
According to Embrace Pet Insurance, treatment for Corneal Dystrophy can cost anywhere from 300 dollars to 3000 dollars. For Entropion, it can cost from 300 dollars to 1,500 dollars.
Husky Eye Insurance
Here are five companies that will insure your dog for any eye-related vet treatments, should they need it.
Embrace Pet Insurance has a page dedicated to Siberian Huskies, showing that they do understand the needs of this particular breed. The average amount per month that their customers pay for a Siberian Husky to be insured is 31 dollars to 46 dollars per month.
This plan covers your Husky for a visit to any vet in the country, access to emergency clinics and specialists, and reimburse your out-of-pocket costs for exams, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization.
This pet insurance company offers fast returns on claims, and they also offer coverage for pre-existing conditions if the condition has not shown signs or symptoms within the last 12 months. They offer a 24/7 online vet service and cover yearly exams too.
Figo covers chronic and hereditary conditions, surgeries, exams, imaging, and prescriptions. Customers can choose from participating vets worldwide, and refunds are paid electronically into their accounts.
MetLife offers flexible pet insurance that does not discriminate on a dog’s breed or age. They are especially good for senior dogs.
MetLife covers a range of treatments, including imaging, surgery, hospitalization, and prescriptions. They also cover chronic and hereditary illnesses.
They do not cover pre-existing conditions.
If you get the Complete Coverage package with Hartville Pet Insurance, this automatically covers your pet for eye disorders.
This plan also covers your dog for exam fees and diagnostics.
They do not cover pre-existing conditions.
The Best Benefits Plan offered by Progressive would be the best choice for Siberian Husky owners who are concerned about future eye conditions.
This plan includes emergency care, diagnostic testing, and specialist visits, and it is fully customizable.
The best part is you get 5 percent off for any subsequent pets you insure with them.
Progressive covers your pet for treatment with any licensed vet, and they have no upper age limits.
The Takeaway On Husky Eye Insurance
Each of these insurance funds covers pets including dogs. Some of them (such as Embrace) have packages that are tailored to the Siberian Husky breed.
Most insurance companies offer an online quotation service in which you put in the dog’s age, breed, and so on. You can also choose ‘extras’, such as ophthalmology. Just make sure you specify common Husky eye conditions on your applications, including entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, and juvenile cataracts.
Be aware that insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so you need to get your dog insured nice and early, preferably from when they are a puppy.
The amount that you pay per year depends on various factors therefore you need to contact each of these companies directly to get your best quote based on your personal circumstances.
Since Siberian Huskies are prone to several chronic and hereditary eye conditions then it really is a good idea to have your pet insured for these from a young age and throughout their lifespan.
Another tip is to shop around as your dog ages, or if your fur family expands; some insurers offer better packages for older dogs or for multiple pets.