Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds. This isn’t surprising since they are known for having an even temperament, being easy to train, and fairly “low maintenance.” This does not mean, however, that they are without problems – no breed is. Whether you are thinking about adding a Lab to your family, or you already own several, you should be aware of the health issues they can face. Knowing what to be on the lookout for can save your dog misery and you vet bills. The following are 3 of the top health concerns for Labs.
#1 – Joint Issues
Labrador retrievers can have a lot of joint issues, including hip/elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis of the ankle/knee/elbow (small cracks in the cartilage of the joint), and patellar luxation. In fact, for osteochondrosis, Labs are one of the top two breeds that suffer from this disease. All of these can be genetic, so if you are getting your puppy from a breeder, make sure that they have done testing on all their breeding stock.
#2 – Obesity
Labs are known for being “bottomless pits” when it comes to eating. They easily get overweight and when they do, it can cause a host of problems including diabetes. It can also exacerbate joint issues and quicken the onset of arthritis. Be sure to keep your Lab lean. If he doesn’t seem to be losing weight, have your vet check him for Thyroid or other medical issues that may be causing the weight gain/inability to lose pounds.
#3 – Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
This is an inherited disease that is still being researched in Labs. What we do know is that EIC is a recessive trait that can affect any Lab, specifically those considered “in shape.” After 5-10 minutes of rigorous activity – such as a constant game of fetch – the Lab will collapse. While most recover within half an hour, it can cause death. Again, if you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder, you should ask if this has been seen in their litters.
