What orthopedic issues can easy weight gain contribute to in the Yakutian Laika?
Hip and elbow dysplasia.
Maintaining an ideal body weight is presented as a key responsibility for owners of the Yakutian Laika because excess weight places undue mechanical stress on the musculoskeletal system. This breed is genetically predisposed to suffer from certain developmental orthopedic conditions, specifically hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. When a Laika carries unnecessary weight beyond what is necessary to support its high-energy metabolism, this added load exacerbates the existing structural vulnerabilities in the hip and elbow joints. The extra strain accelerates wear and tear, increasing the likelihood or severity of these conditions manifesting throughout the dog’s life. Consequently, diet management is not just about energy provision but also about orthopedic protection, requiring owners to adjust calorie intake downward if the dog becomes sedentary to prevent stressing these inherently vulnerable joints.
