Common Golden Retriever Health Problems

Known Health Issues

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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