The 慞ale?in Golden Retriever Health

Golden Retriever厖A robust, beautiful, furry creature; with a demeanour that is smile personified; with a coat-texture so smooth, that your own skin is smoothened should you caress it. A golden spirit in a golden body! But all is not that golden and smooth for this most favoured fellow of the mankind. When it comes to health there are some pale, not-so-pleasing, areas of concern regarding the Goldens.

Golden retriever health problems like distemper virus, rabies, heart worms, tapeworms, hookworms, etc. can easily be remedied by proper vaccination and general check-ups and medicines.

However, there are some other health problems that require serious attention. Common among the serious health problems that the Goldens face are:

?Hip and elbow dysplasia ?This is a genetic disease that causes the hip or the elbow to not fit properly into its socket. It can become extremely painful for the dog and can lead to eventually cause it to limp on one or both rear legs. A Golden pup, that has this disease in its bloodline, can start developing it, as early as, in the first four to nine months of its life. With timely diagnosis and effective treatment, some dogs can outgrow this disorder with little/slight difference in walk.

?Cancer ?This is another deadly disease that can bereave you of your beloved pet. Goldens are most likely to get affected by hemangio sarcoma or lymph sarcoma (cancer of blood or lymphatic system). There is no effective remedy to this disease.

?Von Willebrand抯 disease ?This is a hereditary blood disorder that can prove fatal in extreme cases. It抯 similar to haemophilia in humans and prevents blood from clotting. The Golden Retriever is among the top six breeds to get affected by this disorder. Most cases are mild, but there is no cure for this disease.

?Epilepsy ?This disease is not very common in Goldens. But as there is no testing or screening possible, it抯 advisable for the Golden owners to be watchful. This disease causes fits in dogs and the sight is horrifying for the owners. A vet should be consulted at the slightest signs.

?Hypothyroidism - This relates to the many skin irritations and problems that Goldens are prone to. It occurs as a result of unhealthily low levels of thyroid hormone and can be diagnosed by a blood test. It can be treated with a hormone replacement therapy. But medication needs to be continued for the rest of the dog抯 life.

?Arthritis ?This is a joint disease that affects Goldens in the same manner as it affects humans. It makes joint movements painful. Hot baths can relieve stiff joints. Pain killer shots are required in severe cases. This can also be a result of dysplasia.

?Central progressive retinal atrophy ?Golden Retrievers are prone to this vision disorder that leads to poor vision in less light. It also adversely affects night vision.

?Cataract ?This is a common hereditary eye disease in Goldens. In most cases, it can be cured by a surgery.

Prevention is better than cure. By choosing a responsible breeder, who has been utterly careful and has mated only the best and most healthy adults after proper medical screenings and tests, can minimize the chances of your Golden getting the hereditary diseases. Also, the fact that your pup comes from healthy parents, will ensure (to a very great extent) that it has a sound basic health and strong immune power.

Regular visits to your vet will definitely prevent many of the ailments from visiting your dear Golden.

Cheers to happy, healthy pets!