Husky Dies After Owner Alleges Missed Diagnosis and Delayed Treatment by Vet Practice

A Siberian Husky named Blue has died after her owner alleges a series of failures in veterinary care led to unnecessary suffering, irreversible injury, and ultimately her death.

Blue The Husky | Facebook

Blue was taken to PrimaVets in Heywood in December 2025 after her owner noticed severe symptoms, including hard, flaky ears and redness around her eyes.

According to the owner, the condition of Blue’s ears was acknowledged during the initial consultation on 20 December, but no diagnosis, treatment, or investigative plan was provided for her ears or eyes. Blood tests were carried out and later described as “clear,” however the owner states that zinc levels were not tested.

In the weeks that followed, Blue’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Her owner says her facial lesions worsened, her skin broke down, and she appeared to be in increasing pain.

A second consultation took place on 31 January 2026. The owner alleges that despite warning the practice that Blue had significantly worsened, the possibility of a tumour or cancer was raised while concerns about zinc responsive dermatosis (ZRD) — a known condition affecting Arctic breeds such as Siberian Huskies — were dismissed.

Blue's Face infections | Submitted

Only after repeated requests, the owner says, was a second blood test carried out. The results, returned approximately one week later, confirmed that Blue was suffering from zinc responsive dermatosis.

By the time the diagnosis was made, Blue had developed severe facial infections, open skin lesions, and damage to her eyes, leaving her blind. Her owner believes the delay in diagnosis and treatment allowed a treatable condition to progress unchecked.

Blue's Right Side | Submitted

Blue has since passed away.

“My dog suffered far more than she ever should have,” the owner said. “This was a condition that could have been treated if it had been recognised earlier. Instead, she was left in pain, lost her sight, and eventually lost her life.”

The owner has submitted a formal complaint and is pursuing mediation and legal action, stating that they want accountability and to ensure other animals do not suffer similar outcomes.

PrimaVets has been contacted for comment.