Common Genetic Disorders in Labrador Retrievers

What is a Genetic Disorder?
Basically a genetic disorder is caused by poor breading practices or inbreeding reaching back many generations. It's commonly found in purebreds but not exclusively. Abnormalities in the genetic make-up (the gnome) play a significant role in causing the condition.

In order to reduce the frequency of inherited conditions strict record keeping and control of the breeding stock is paramount. Animals exhibiting the disorder must not be bred thus eliminating the possibility of passing on their bad gene. The Labrador Retriever or Lab, as they are commonly referred to, along with other larger breed dogs have a high incidence of Elbow and Hip Dysplasia. .

Elbow Dysplasia: Affects both front legs. The dog will show lameness and elbow pain in the forelimbs. Two of the causes for this disorder are fragments of cartilage peeling away from the bone within the joint and the other is the bones that form the joint grow at different rates and do not fit together properly. Environmental factors such as diet, trauma and activity also play a role in the in the development and progress of the disease. If your dog is at high risk of developing this defect then over-eating and rapid weight gain may also contribute to it.

Lameness will usually begin between 7 and 10 months of age. It will be noticeable when your dog first gets up or starts to walk or run. The initial lameness will be very subtle and it may take awhile to become obvious and able to be diagnosed. Prognosis for your dog depends on how quickly the problem is treated and how far it has progressed when treatment begins. Early treatment usually brings good clinical results before osteoarthritis sets in. If left untreated the dogs lameness and pain will increase.

Treatment may involve surgery to remove any bone fragments.
Diet and exercise will help control their weight thus less wear and tear on their joints. Medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain .

Hip Dysplasia: This is the most common inherited orthopedic disease in large dogs and the Lab is no exception (When purchasing your Lab or any large breed dog, ask the breeder about hip certification in their breeding dogs and go a few generations back).

The hip is a ball and socket joint. When there is looseness in the joint and the tendons are stretched, they will repeatedly allow the ball to partially slip out of the socket. Over time degenerative changes occur in the socket and the dog will become lame and weak in the hind end experiencing a great deal of discomfort. Hip Dysplasia although present a young dog will not generally become obvious until the dog gets older. It generally takes years for the constant wear and tear on the joint to begin causing severe pain. You will begin to notice it when your dog has difficulty getting up, climbing stairs or after exercise. There is no cure pain control is the best you can offer. You can do a few things to ease his discomfort by watching his diet and keeping his weight under control.
With careful selection of breeder and history of hip dysplasia in their breeding stock you will have a happy healthy Lab.

Love your dog