Samoyed Club of America

Promoting the well being and future of the Samoyed breed.

The official AKC breed club for the Samoyed since 1923.

Health Issue – Immune System

VKH (Uveodermatologic Syndrome)
http://www.samoyedhealthfoundation.org/diseases/uveodermatologic-syndrome-uds

VKH or VKH-like syndrome is an autoimmune disease with symptoms of red, cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light (referred to as progressive uveitis) and de-pigmentation of the eye-rims, lips, nose and other black points on the dog. It develops when the dog is between 1 ½ to 4 years of age and can lead to cataract formation, retinal degeneration, secondary glaucoma and ultimate blindness (Clark, 2014). Treatment is generally administration of steroids. It is not recommended to breed any Samoyed affected with this syndrome.