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Top 5 Health Concerns in Golden Retrievers

Updated On December 22nd, 2014

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Reviewed By Dana Koch, VMD, MLAS

Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate, obedient and fun-loving nature. It is no wonder that they are one of the most popular breed of dog to become part of our family. Here are some of the common conditions we observe in Golden retrievers:

1.Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that results from a lowered production and release of T4 and T3 hormones by the thyroid gland. Clinical signs frequently reported include weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance and lethargy. Diagnosis of this condition is usually achieved through blood testing. Medical therapy is the most common treatment option utilizing a synthetic hormone to replace the body’s lack of adequate thyroid hormones.

2.Seizures

Golden retrievers are a breed of dog predisposed to suffering from seizures. There are several underlying causes for this condition including masses in the brain, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances in the body or exposure to certain toxins. If your veterinarian rules out other underlying reasons for seizures your dog may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, which means that the origin of the seizure activity is unknown. Anti-seizure medication is frequently used to control seizure activity in animals.

3.Elbow dysplasia

This condition is usually present from at birth and diagnosed early in life. It is caused by abnormal growth and development of the elbow joint that leads to lameness in the forelimbs, pain when flexing the elbow, possible joint effusion, and diminished range of motion. Treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on several factors, including the dog’s age and degree of dysplasia. Surgery and physical therapy are often recommended to facilitate and healing and alleviate the dog’s painfulness.

4.Arthritis

This is frequently observed in older Golden Retrievers due to their size and strain on their joints. It is important to keep your pet at a healthy weight through exercise and proper feeding in order to help delay the onset of arthritis. Your veterinarian can prescribe supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin and medications to alleviate the clinical signs related to arthritis. Your veterinarian can advise whether surgical or medical management should be pursued.

5.Cancer

According to the Veterinary cancer center cancer is the number one natural cause of death in older cats and dogs. It accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year. This statistic is scary but advancements in the veterinary field have made new treatment and therapies possible for animals with cancer. Some of the most common cancers diagnosed in Golden retrievers include osteosarcoma (bone cancer), lymphoma and mast cell tumors. If your dog is experiencing any abnormal clinical signs such as weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting and development of lumps on the body a veterinary consultation would be recommended.
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