The-Golden-Retriever - Common Golden Retriever Health Problems

Golden Retriever health is probably the number one issue when shopping for a new puppy. With all the backyard breeders offering puppies for sale, you have to be very careful.

If you are thinking about getting a Golden Retriever puppy, then you really need to do your homework. This is not the time to rush into buying the first cute puppy you see.

Buying a new puppy that will surely become a big part of your family, only to find out a couple of years down the road that your best friend has serious medical problems, that can drain your checkbook, or possibly have even worse consequences, is a situation you definitely want to avoid.

The only way to try and avoid buying a puppy with health problems is to find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is careful that the male and female he uses to breed do not have a history of common Golden Retriever health problems.

If you are buying from a pet store, or a back yard breeder you found in the newspaper, you really are taking a chance. If you haven’t read, “Choosing a Puppy” on this web site it would be a good idea. It gives a lot of good information on choosing a breeder.

Some of the most common Golden Retriever health problems in the breed are Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, and Cataracts of the eyes.

Some of the less common problems, but ones that can still show up are Trichiasis, Von Willebrands Disease, Epilepsy, Entropion, Distchiasis, Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Osteosarcoma, Gastric Torsion, Cardiomyopathy, Allergies, and Osteochondritis Dissecans.

Hip dysplasia: is an abnormal development of the hip joint where the head of the femur bone does not fit properly into the pelvic socket. This causes an excessive looseness in the hip joint.

The first signs of this disease are usually noticed when your dog begins to limp, or has trouble climbing stairs. It is usually in the rear legs on one or both sides and generally can be quite painful. This is a very common Golden Retriever health problem.

Elbow dysplasia: is caused by improper development of the bones that make up the elbow, causing the joint to be loose, and can lead to painful arthritis.

Cataracts: Golden Retrievers can get cataracts the same as humans can. They are usually found on a routine eye exam. They can usually be removed by surgery if the dog is healthy.

Trichiasis: is an eyelash problem where the eyelash is deformed during the normal growth process causing the eye to become irritated.

Von Willebrands disease: is a blood disorder, causing a problem with blood clotting. Dogs that have this disease are prone to excessive bleeding if they suffer an injury, or during any required surgery.

Epilepsy: is a brain disorder that can cause periodic convulsions or seizures. Usually this disorder can be controlled with medication.

Entropion: is where the eyelids turn inward and irritate the eyes. Surgery is often necessary.

Distchiasis: is an eyelash problem caused by abnormal eyelashes along the eyelid. If it is left untreated it can cause the dog a lot of pain, and further eye problems. Surgery is recommended.

Subvalvular aortic stenosis: is a heart problem, an abnormal narrow connection between the left ventricle, and the aorta, which eventually leads to heart failure.

Progressive retinal atrophy: is a family of diseases all involving the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night blind and lack the ability to see in dim light.

As the disease progresses, their daytime vision fails. As their vision fails, dogs will adapt to their disability very well as long as their environment stays the same.

Osteosarcoma: this is a malignant bone cancer. Sadly it is fairly common in large size dogs.

Gastric torsion: This is a condition where the stomach twists and traps the contents of the stomach and gases, causing rapid swelling of the abdomen, accompanied by pain and eventual death if not treated immediately. This condition is most common in large deep chested breeds.

Anyone owning a dog in this class should know the exact procedure of who to call in an emergency, the after hours phone numbers of the veterinarian, and where the nearest animal hospital is located. This condition can happen without warning, and your pet’s life depends on immediate medical attention.

Cardiomyopathy: is a disease of the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a serious problem in many breeds but especially in the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Allergies: are difficult to pinpoint in dogs, but are usually caused by a reaction to the food they are eating or an additive in the food. Flea bites can also cause allergic reactions. A dog’s constant scratching, biting, and shaking their head usually tells you something is wrong.

Osteochondritis dissecans: is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. It is often seen in young fast growing dogs of the larger breeds. X-rays often are inconclusive. OCD usually appears in young dogs between six and nine months old.

OCD can affect the shoulder, ankle or elbow. It is painful and is first noticed because the dog will limp. Activities like jumping off of high objects, and being over weight are all contributing factors. OCD can sometime heal itself if you keep you pet quiet with very limited activities. The only other alternative is surgery.

Click Here For a guide to common health problems in the golden retriever

Click Here For secrets from a veterinarian on how to keep your dog healthy at home.

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