Health Issues

Health issues (Go back to Goldens topic list)

Every breed suffers from problems of one sort or another. A number of genetic disorders are at times found in Goldens. Here are the biggies:

To a lesser degree, Goldens can suffer from osteochondritis (OCD, or elbow dysplasia) and, although this is anecdotal, the incidence of cancer among Goldens appears to be rising.

Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a disorder that varies greatly in symptoms and severity. It occurs in many large breeds, such as the German Shepherd, the Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and in the giant breeds such as the St. Bernard and the Newfoundland.

HD occurs when the development of the hip joint is poor. Often, the ball of the hip joint fails to sit properly in its socket. Sometimes the socket is too shallow. Signs of HD cannot be detected in young puppies. It usually appears during periods of rapid growth, between four and nine months of age, or later. Signs can vary widely, from none at all, to slight limping, to crippling lameness. Dysplastic dogs usually develop arthritis at some point in their lives.

The only way to diagnose HD is through X-ray exam, done by a competent vet, familiar with the specific positioning necessary for accurate radiographic analysis. Do not assume that every and any vet can do this. The dog is usually sedated or fully anaesthetized for the procedure. Your vet will be looking for such things as shallow sockets, irregular shape of the femoral heads, looseness of the joints, or signs of arthritis.

Dogs should be X-rayed for HD at age 2, when the dog is nearly done growing. Earlier X-rays can be done, but they should be repeated after age 2. If you plan to breed your Golden, X-rays MUST be sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in Columbia, Missouri. They will "grade" the hips, and if the dog is free from HD, will assign it a number. Grades that pass are "excellent," "good," or "fair." Excellent hips, while not unheard of, are rare in Goldens. ALWAYS demand to see an OFA certificate on both the sire and dam of a litter you are contemplating purchasing from. Do not accept a breeder's word that they have been done, or that "my vet said they were OK."

You must also remember that, even if there have been "clear" hips on both sides of the pedigree for generations, the problem may crop up. It is a difficult, complex transmission involving many genes.

Dysplastic dogs should not be used for breeding, but may live a happy, long and active life. Some dogs will never know they have HD. (Back to top)

Cataracts
Eye disorders run from cataracts to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). A cataract is any opacity within the lens of the eye. At least one type of hereditary cataract appears at a young age in some Goldens, and while these may not interfere with the dog's vision, some do progress into severe or total loss of vision. There are also some non-hereditary cataracts that can occur.

PRA is a deterioration of the retina, and may result in blindness. It is more common in Labs than Goldens. (Back to top)

Eyelid/eyelash problems
Eyelid and eyelash disorders seem to be becoming more prevalent in Goldens. These are cosmetic problems. Entropion is when eyelids turn inward; ectropion is when they turn outwards. Trichiasis and distichiasis involve eyelashes or hairs rubbing on and irritating the eye. Simple surgery may be indicated. (Back to top)

Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be either hereditary or not. It often does not appear until the dog is two or three years old, past first breeding age. Its severity varies, as does its control and medication. (Back to top)

Hypothyroidism
Thyroid problems are metabolic disorders characterized by atrophy or malfunction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include obesity, lethargy and coat problems. Diagnosis is through a simple blood test, and treatment involves a daily pill. The dog's life is completely normal. (Back to top)

Subvalvular aortic stenosis
SAS stands for subvalvular aortic stenosis. This heart disease is relatively rare, and positive diagnosis is difficult. A murmur is symptomatic, but many murmurs are harmless and have nothing to do with SAS. Breeding stock should absolutely be tested for this throughout their adult life. (Back to top)