Inherited disorders
Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre.
There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or later in life.
Other disorders
Labs are sometimes prone to ear infection, because their floppy ears trap warm moist air. This is easy to control, but needs regular checking to ensure that a problem is not building up unseen. A healthy Lab ear should look clean and light pink (almost white) inside. Darker pink (or inflamed red), or brownish deposits, are a symptom of ear infection.
The usual treatment is regular cleaning daily or twice daily (being careful not to force dirt into the sensitive inner ear) and sometimes medication (ear drops) for major cases. As a preventative measure, some owners clip the hair carefully around the ear and under the flap, to encourage better air flow.
Labradors also get cases of allergic reactions to food or other environmental factors.
Obesity
Labs are often overfed and are allowed to become overweight, due to their blatant enjoyment of treats, hearty appetites, and endearing behavior towards people. Lack of activity is also a contributing factor.
A healthy Lab should keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set. Excessive weight is strongly implicated as a risk factor in the later development of hip dysplasia or other joint problems and diabetes, and also can contribute to general reduced health when older. Osteoarthritis is commonplace in older, especially overweight, Labs.
HIP DYSPLASIAOne of the biggest health concerns for all Labrador owners is Hip Dysplasia.
This is the number one cause of lameness is the hindquarters in Labradors and should be something all Labrador owners should be aware of. Hip Dysplasia is an arthritic condition originating from looseness in the hip itself.
Hip Dysplasia occurs in the ball and socket joint where the thighbone (femur) joins the pelvis. In dogs looseness in the joint can be caused by the tissue, which hold the joint in place. Over time the looseness in the joint will lead to abnormalities of the bone in the ball and socket.
Hip Dysplasia is typically seen in elder dogs as opposed to young pups. Research has not shown that the looseness of the tissues does not change over time from when the dog is young.
The problems in the elder years are caused by the looseness in the joint over a prolonged period of time causing arthritic problems with the dog.
The best prevention for a potential owner is to choose a breeder who have their Labradors tested for Hip Dysplasia and other common health concerns for the Labrador breed.
When the parents of the pup have been certified to be free of any genetic hip issues it increases the chance of a health Labrador baby. Often buying from a breeder with certified Labradors the cost for a pet is much higher. In the long run it is well worth it, as you will have a healthier, happier new addition to the family.
Source
Labrador Breeders, Labrador Puppies, Labrador Rescue
