Diseases/Disorders
Some inherited disorders in Labrador Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay
Retrievers
Most purebred dogs, including Labrador Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers,
are occasionally born with an inherited disorder. The more common disorders
include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia and PRA. Epilepsy, heart
defects, canine hypothyroidism, and inherited bleeding disorders are very rarely
seen in Labradors and Chesapeakes.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
The hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint: the "ball" (the top part of the thigh bone or
femur) fits into a "socket" formed by the pelvis. If there is a loose fit between these
bones, and the ligaments which help to hold them together are loose, the ball may
slide part way out of the socket (subluxate). With time, as this occurs repeatedly,
other degenerative changes in the joint occur (also called osteoarthritis) and your
dog will become painful, lame and weak in the hind end. Hip dysplasia is observed in
all breeds with and adult weight of over 35lbs.
What causes it?
Hip dysplasia is a multifactorial trait, which means that a number of different factors
can contribute to it. However, hip dysplasia is basically a genetic trait and will not
develop if the hereditary factor is not there to begin with. The environment plays a
large part in whether or not a dog will suffer from hip dysplasia. Nutrition is the
greatest contribution. Puppies should be kept lean and not fat, obviously a puppy
which is carrying around too much weight will exacerbate any degeneration of the
joint. Research also has shown that giving a diet too high in protein and calcium also
exacerbates the condition. Rapid growth in a young puppy also contributes, and, in
most cases, the rapid growth rate is directly related to feeding a high calorie diet to
puppies. Over supplementation of calcium has likewise been shown to be a major
factor in the development of skeletal disease in puppies. Exercise is the other main
contribution. Many people over-exercise young puppies, or give them the wrong
type of exercise. The wrong type of exercise can include forced running for any
distance too much exercise on tarmac or other hard surfaces. Up to at least six
months of age, exercise on hard surfaces should be kept at a minimum. Correct
exercise for puppies includes running or playing in the garden or in a park, although
games that involve jumping and very rough play should be avoided, and the puppy
should be allowed to rest as soon as he has had enough and must not "over-do" it.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise which builds up the muscles without
putting stress on the joints.
What breeds are affected by hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited orthopedic disease in large and giant
breed dogs, and occurs in many medium-sized breeds as well. When obtaining a dog
from a large or giant breed, you should ask the breeder about the hip certifications in
their breeding dogs, and for several generations back. The Orthopedic Foundation for
Animals (OFA) will certify the X-rays of breeding dogs as normal and issue a
certification number. The dog must be at least 2 years old to obtain an OFA
certification. You should ask the breeder about the hip certifications in their dogs
ancestry two to three generations back before purchasing a puppy.
Retinal Diseases
The retina is a membrane which lines the back of the eye and contains the light
receptors needed for vision. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Central
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) are diseases which progressively destroy these
light receptors resulting in gradual loss of vision and blindness. Both PRA and CPRA
are inherited conditions and have been documented in several breeds including
Labradors and Chesapeakes. Any dog having one of these diseases is capable of
transmitting the disease to his offspring if mated with a dog carrying the trait for the
disease. Fortunately, a simple eye examination at the proper age will diagnosis the
condition. Reputable and informed breeders have their breeding dogs examined and
certified through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation,INC. (CERF) ask to see the
CERF certification on both the parents of the litter before purchasing a puppy.
There are several minor inherited disorders associated with the eyelids. The
eyelashes are turned inward in Entropion. In Ectropion, the eyelashes are turned
outward. Distichiasis is associated with extra eyelashes. Most of these conditions
easily correct with minor surgery. More serious inherited eye disorders in Labradors
and Chesapeakes include cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia, and Progressive Retinal
Atrophy (PRA). Not all eye diseases result in blindness. Surgery is a possible
treatment for cataracts. Reducing the risk of genetic disorders in Labradors and
Chesapeakes: annual eye examinations by certified veterinary ophthalmologists are
recommended since some eye disorders are not detected in young dogs. Affected
dogs should not be considered for breeding.
