Golden Retriever - Health Characteristics
Dog Breeds
As a result of careless breeding for profit, Golden Retrievers are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed. When buying a puppy its parents should have been examined by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or by The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program for hip disease.
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Common Health Problems
Breeding Goldens can be profitable for puppy mills and backyard breeders. As a result of careless breeding for profit, Goldens are prone to genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is very common in the breed. When buying a puppy its parents should have been examined by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or by The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) for hip disease.
Obesity is also a common problem in Golden Retrievers who are not properly exercised. Owners of Golden retrievers should be sure to provide sufficient activity so as to avoid weight problems, particularly as the dog ages.
Other Common Disorders
Other diseases and disorders to which Golden Retrieves are susceptible include:
- Cancer: The most common is hemangiosarcoma, followed by lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and osteosarcoma.
- Eye diseases: Cataracts (the most common eye disease in Goldens), progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, distichiasis, entropion, corneal dystrophy, and retinal dysplasia.
- Heart problems: Subvalvular aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy are major problems in this breed
- Joint diseases: Patella luxation, osteochondritis, panosteitis and cruciate ligament rupture
- Skin diseases: Allergies that often leading to acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots"
- Hemophilia