Labrador Health Problems – The Information You Need

1952

White labrador retriever puppyThe Labrador retriever, also known as a Labrador or Lab, is one of the most popular dogs in the world. There are more Labs registered in the United States and Great Britain than any other breed. Besides being friendly and sociable, Labs are gentle with small children, making them an ideal family pet. However, they do have some serious health issues potential owners should consider before adopting a Lab.

Identification

Powerful in appearance, the Labrador retriever has good bone structure and a wide, block-shaped head; a sleek, short coat; drop ears; and a long tail. The typical adult Lab weighs about 60 to 80 pounds and stands 22.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulders.

Life Span

Labrador retrievers generally live 10 to 12 years. Labradors tend to put on weight, however, and obesity can shorten their lives if they aren’t exercised daily.

Major Health Problems

Dysplasia is one of the most common health problems for Labradors. A skeletal problem, canine hip dysplasia, or CHD, happens when the hip joint doesn’t develop normally. Although dogs don’t always show symptoms of CHD, usually owners can suspect a problem when their Labs show pain and lameness in one or both rear legs. This can lead to serious arthritis. Elbow dysplasia, caused by abnormal development of the bones making up the elbow, can also lead to painful arthritis in Labs. Treatment options include aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes surgery.

Retinal dysplasia is an irregular development of the retina. Problems can be found by a retinoscopic examination. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive deterioration of the skeletal muscles, usually diagnosed with a blood test, as well as muscular and electromyography biopsies. It’s usually not fatal. Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, involves excessive gas in the stomach, which can cause twisting and pain. If untreated, it’s fatal. Patellar luxation (slipped stiffle) is a condition in which the kneelike joints above the hock in the hind legs can slip and may require surgery.

Minor Health Problems

Osteochondritis disease mostly afflicts large dogs such as Labs. A Lab’s long bone is prone to develop cracks in the cartilage while growing. This affects shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles. One form of treatment is to confine a dog to a pen so it can’t jump or do other strenuous activities, allowing time to heal. Surgery is sometimes required, however, because the conservative approach works only about 60 percent of the time.

Progressive retinal atrophy can result in blindness. Because symptoms are not always obvious to owners, it’s important to have Labs’ eyes examined regularly by a vet. A painless condition, it usually occurs when dogs are 4 to 6 years old. Cataracts can occur in dogs, just as in their owners. Diagnosed by an ophthalmoscopic exam, cataracts can be removed with surgery.

Types

Black Labs are the most common type. Besides being the most territorial, the black Lab suffers the most from skin conditions. Yellow Labs have variances in shade and color, with eye color ranging from yellow to chocolate brown and fur ranging from white to tan, perhaps with some brown touches. Although they shed more than other Labs, yellows are the most sociable of the three types. Chocolate Labs are the most laid-back. This breed continues to increase as it is becoming almost as popular as the other two. Interestingly, the same litter of Lab pups can include all three colors.

Warning

Labradors tend to have more eye problems than the average breed. Have your dog’s eyes examined for possible problems along with a yearly physical.

Considerations

When searching for a Labrador puppy, look for reputable breeders. The chances of your dog being cleared for genetic problems are greater when buying from a breeder. Although there is no guarantee of a perfectly healthy puppy, a good breeder is more likely to know and care about genetic problems.