Golden Retrievers – Genetic Medical Diseases

The Golden Retriever is one of the more popular breeds among families. However, it does have a long list of genetic medical diseases that can have serious health affects on the dog. These health concerns range from hip dysplasia to cataracts and epilepsy to various allergies. Learning about these medical conditions can help pet owners recognize the common signs and seek treatment.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia, or CHD, is a type of skeletal problem that results in the abnormal development of the hip joint. When this occurs, the femur does not fit snugly into the dogs’ pelvic socket. Hip dysplasia is commonly found in younger dogs of various breeds. However, since a dog is not considered to be the minimum age for an accurate examination of the hips until the age of two, a proper diagnosis cannot be made until that point in time.

Eye Disease

Eye disease is also fairly common among Golden Retrievers. Many carry the genes for Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy or CPRA. This is a type of progressive deterioration of the light-receptive area, or retina, of the eye. This is a serious medical condition that can result in the blindness of the dog at a young age. Hereditary cataracts are also common in the Golden Retriever. When found in younger dogs, the “juvenile cataracts” are due to hereditary reasons. If the dog is found to be in good health, these cataracts can be removed by a veterinarian.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a type of brain disorder that results in periodic convulsions or seizures. The severity of the seizures will depend if treatment has been administered and the dog’s overall health. Medication can be prescribed by a veterinarian to control the seizures, but may not be able to completely eliminate them. While the seizures will not harm the health of the dog itself, a pregnant female may endanger the life of her pups of she is suffering from seizures. Males who suffer from epilepsy should be neutered and not used for breeding stock.

Distchiasis

Distchiasis is a condition that affects the eyelids of the Golden Retriever. With this condition, the eyelids tend to roll inwards, thus irritating the eye. Hair follicles develop deep within the glands, rather than on the skins surface. The eyelashes then rub on the cornea, resulting in the tearing or occasional corneal abrasions. Distchiasis is considered to be an inherited problem in a wide variety of dog breeds. However, Distchiasis is rarely seen in cats.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD, is a degeneration of the bone that lies beneath the cartilage layer of joints. This condition is commonly seen in larger breed dogs of a young age, typically between six and nine months. Osteochondritis dissecans can affect the elbow, ankle, or shoulder joint. Dogs that are suspected to have OCD can be diagnosed with x-rays. Signs that the dog has this condition typically include limping or pain. Golden Retrievers with OCD should limit playful activities and may need surgery to remove torn cartilage.

Allergies

Dog allergies are fairly common in many dog breeds. This typically involves allergies of the skin, but can also include the nose, ears, and other areas of the body. To find the proper treatment for allergies, the underlying cause must be pinpointed. Allergies can be due to flea bites, food allergies, or inhalant allergies. A veterinarian can determine the cause of allergies by administering an intradermal skin test and/or blood test for inhalant allergies.

References

Golden Retriever Club of America

Common Golden Retriever Health Problems