Strangles in labs

Question
Patti, Our family (w/ 3 young boys) is considering buying a lab that previously had strangles. She looks fine and is apparently over the disease, but we worry if there are any long term affects to consider. Joints, height, reoccurrence, ears, etc. She is a beautiful dog and is 4 months old. I'm just afraid of joint problems or a permanetly height stunted dog. Any advice?

Answer
Hi Jason,

Stangles, is also called Juvenile Cellulitis is a very rare non-contagious skin condition. It's also sometimes referred to as juvenile pyoderma.

You can read about this condition here:

http://www.animalshelter.org/education/general_info/faq19.asp

Symptoms are usually noticed between 4 weeks to 4 months of age. The condition lasts up to two weeks in puppies not badly affected, but four to six weeks in more severe cases. Most puppies who are aggressively treated with appropriate corticosteroids and antibiotics will recover, but permanent hair-loss on affected areas or scarring is not uncommon.

This condition usually does not recur in mature animals that have had it as puppies.

It might help reassure you to have this dog examined by a vet of your choosing, and have the adoption contingent upon the vet's findings. The cost of the vet exam will be worth every penny if you gain peace of mind.

Best of luck,
Patti