Caring for your Icelandic Sheepdog

Quick answer

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a cheerful, alert, and highly trainable breed that thrives on engagement and consistent mental stimulation. While they are generally robust, they are associated with a few specific health conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and hereditary cataracts. Owners can best support their dogs by maintaining a lean body condition, providing consistent training, and ensuring their environment is safe for their joints and eyes.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This is a well recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog struggling to rise from a lying position, showing reluctance to jump, or exhibiting a swaying gait when they walk. Some dogs may also show signs of stiffness after a long nap.

When you visit the clinic, your vet will perform a physical examination to check for pain and range of motion in the hips. A definitive diagnosis is typically reached through a radiographic assessment, or X-ray, which allows the vet to see the fit of the joint. If you notice your dog limping or showing signs of discomfort, it is important to have them examined promptly to manage their comfort levels. Avoiding heavy impact activities on hard surfaces can help, and keeping your dog at a lean weight is essential to reduce the load on their joints.

Managing Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap, or patella, moves out of its normal groove. This is a recognised tendency in the breed rather than a proven one. You might notice your dog suddenly skipping a step or holding a back leg up for a few seconds while running, only to return to a normal gait shortly after. This happens because the kneecap has slipped out and then popped back into place.

Your vet will assess the stability of the kneecap during a routine physical exam. They will manually manipulate the joint to see if the patella can be displaced. If the luxation is frequent or causes persistent lameness, the vet may discuss long-term management strategies. Providing good traction in your home, such as using rugs on slippery floors, can help prevent unnecessary strain on the knees. If your dog begins to hold their leg up constantly or refuses to put weight on it, this indicates a need for a professional assessment to determine if the joint requires intervention.

Monitoring Hereditary Cataracts

Hereditary cataracts involve the clouding of the lens within the eye, which can interfere with vision. How this passes down is not settled. You might notice a cloudy or milky appearance in your dog's pupil, or you may observe that your dog seems hesitant in low light or bumps into furniture they are usually familiar with.

Your vet will use a specialized light and magnifying lens to examine the internal structures of the eye. If they suspect a cataract, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for a detailed examination to determine the extent of the clouding. While there is no way to prevent these from forming, regular check-ups allow you to monitor changes in your dog's vision. If you notice a sudden change in your dog's eye appearance or a significant loss of confidence in navigating their surroundings, this warrants a timely visit to the clinic.