Golden retrievers are generally a healthy breed and are bred to
be so; breeders often go through several screening sessions before breeding two
potential dogs. Common golden retriever health problems include: Cancer, Arthritis,
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Eye or heart disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and von
Willebrand’s Disease. All dogs are at risk for some or all of these conditions,
however, golden retrievers are more likely to suffer from these conditions.
Preventive
Maintenance
The first step in preventing these health problems is proper
screening prior to mating, a reputable breeder should be able to supply documentation
and even x-rays if you want to see them. Many breeders have tests and x-rays updated
every 18 months. As part of your general golden retriever care, serving correctly
balanced food is one way you can help. Another is to make sure your veterinarian
checks your golden retriever for these health problems, especially the Hip and
Elbow Dysplasia.
Hip Or Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is golden retriever
heath problem, a crippling disease that can cause the hip to not fit properly
in its socket, this can lead to degenerative joint disease; this will naturally
cause more pain and make it harder for you golden retriever to get around. The
signs for this terrible disease show up early in a puppy’s life, around four to
nine months, a veterinarian should check for this with an x-ray. If your puppy
does develop this disease, take heart some dogs do out grow it, or are minimally
affected with only a slight difference in their walk; beware though, this disease
can also cause arthritis in later life.
Arthritis
Another golden
retriever health problem is arthritis and it often affects dogs much the same
way it affects humans. It makes movement difficult at best and often extremely
painful; for a golden retriever, this is life changing; they will often have movement
and, sometimes, diet restrictions. Treatment includes an array of injections for
pain relief and some medication that can be administered at home; in addition,
warm baths can bring comfort to achy joints.
Cancer
Cancer is a
killer for many species. Golden retrievers are most likely to face hemangiosarcoma
(cancer of the blood) or lymph sarcoma (cancer of the lymphatic system); these
cancers were rarely associated with the breed before 1990. There is no cure for
cancer; treatment for canine cancer is a very similar regiment that you would
expect for a human. Both conventional medicine and homeopathic remedies can be
employed depending on what you feel is the most appropriate golden retriever care.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy in dogs can be terrifying to their owners, as
the dog will sometimes thrash about on the ground, barking and padding its paws;
try to remain calm, seizures render the sufferer unconscious and they are not
in any discomfort. This is not the most common golden retriever health problem
but because there is no screening process available. Any golden retriever could
be at risk; there are treatments available for seizure disorders, your veterinarian
can recommend the best treatment.
Canine Von Willebrand’s Disease
Among
golden retriever health problems this is one of the rarest; it is similar to hemophilia
in humans, and is known as von Willebrand’s Disease or vWD. The golden retriever
is one of the top six dogs to be affected with vWD; it can be deadly in some cases,
but most instances are mild. There is no cure for this disease however, there
are treatments and precautions that should help to eventually annihilate this
disease.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common heath problem
for golden retrievers, and is usually identified by the chronic and reoccurring
skin problems. This disorder is easy to diagnose with blood tests; the skin irritation
is caused by lowered levels of a thyroid hormone. Additional effects of this disease
are weight gain, hair loss, and high blood cholesterol. There are, in fact, even
more; the good news this condition is very treatable. With hormone replacement
therapy, your golden retriever should return to normal; they will, however, need
to continue treatments for the rest of their lives.
Diagnosis
The
only sure way to know if any of these, or any other diseases, are affecting your
golden retriever is for him or her to be properly tested. Know how
to choose a vet for your golden retriever, as your veterinarian is the best
person to help you with all your golden retriever’s care; selecting a veterinarian
for your golden retriever is probably the best preventive step you can take for
your golden retrievers over all health.
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