Health Concerns for Labradors
- Obesity: Labradors have a tendency to gain weight quickly. This can lead to various health issues, such as joint problems and diabetes.
- Hip Dysplasia: Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit correctly. This can cause discomfort and affect their mobility.
- Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Labradors are susceptible to ear infections. Regular cleaning and check-ups are essential.
- Exercise-Induced Collapse in Dogs (EIC): a genetic condition typically triggered by intense exercise, affected dogs may suddenly lose control of their hind legs and collapse. This temporary episode is not life-threatening, but it's crucial to monitor affected dogs and adjust their exercise routine to prevent future episodes.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): causes gradual vision loss in dogs. This condition affects the retina, leading to night blindness and eventually complete blindness.
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Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM): dogs experience muscle weakness, which can affect their ability to move and play. In severe cases, dogs may have difficulty breathing due to muscle weakness in the diaphragm. Symptoms of centronuclear myopathy usually appear in puppies, affecting their quality of life from a young age.
- Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD): a congenital heart condition affecting the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle. This condition can lead to heart murmurs, exercise intolerance, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
- Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK): HNPK is a genetic condition in dogs that affects the nose and footpads. It causes the skin to thicken and crack, leading to discomfort and potential infections.
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD): can lead to hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. Common symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen. These can vary in severity depending on the individual.