6 Most Common Health Problems In Golden Retrievers

Taking care of your dog’s unique and specific medical needs is important to ensuring a long and healthy life. Depending on the breed of your dog, there are different factors to look out for and give extra care to.

Golden retrievers are friendly and adorable, but like all other dogs, they do have some conditions that they are predisposed to. Here are six common health conditions that golden retrievers may develop.

1. Eye conditions

Congenital cataracts is an issue that may develop in pups under six years of age. Golden retrievers are also more likely to contract central progressive retinal atrophy at an older age. In both cases, surgery can be expensive. Learn more about these and other eye-related illnesses here.

2. Hip and/or elbow dysplasia

The former is a mainly congenital malformation of the hip joint, and the latter is a collection of congenital malformations of the elbow joint. They can also develop due to environmental factors and obesity and can cause lameness, pain, or discomfort. Learn more about this condition here and find out how to prevent and/or manage it here.

3. Aortic Stenosis

This is a genetic heart disease that causes the aorta to become narrow because of scar tissue and causes blood to become difficult to pump throughout the body. A pup with this condition may have difficulty exercising and may faint from physical activity in more severe versions of the condition.

4. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Known simply as an enlarged heart, this can lead to congestive heart failure, and most commonly occur in golden retriever pups between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Symptoms include becoming easily exhausted, lethargic, breathing difficulties, and fainting.

5. Von Willebrand’s Disease

This condition is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder and happens when not enough plasma protein is present in the body. In most cases, it is a mild condition that many pups grow out of as they age. However, some more severe cases see pups with long nosebleeds, blood when urinating or defecating, or bleeding underneath the skin.

6. Cancer

Golden retriever pups are more prone to develop certain kinds of cancer, especially as they age. These include – but aren’t limited to – malignant melanoma (a skin tumor), hemangiosarcoma (a soft tissue tumor), osteosarcoma (a bone cancer), and lymphosarcoma (a cancer from the lymphocytes). Talk to your vet about these and see what you can do to prevent or detect them.

Take some time to discuss these health concerns with your vet and formulate a plan. It’s never too early to start the conversation and find out what you can possibly do to help prevent issues as your golden ages. Do you know of any other health concerns? Comment below!