Inherited Diseases of Labrador Dogs

Some Labrador dogs are unfortunate enough to have been born with a disease. Surely you do not want to acquire disease even before you were born, am I right? But then, things happen whether we want it or not. We inherit things we sometimes don’t want to have, things such as horrid characteristics and diseases.

Dogs, same with human will less likely choose to inherit diseases if only they have the opportunity and power to do it. But sad to say, these diseases are passed on from generations to generations and there’s no way we can escape it when it’s already running through the veins of our ancestors.

As dog owners, it is your responsibility to know what these diseases are so that you could prevent it from coming before actually affecting your dog.

A dog may suffer from what it seems to be a mild deafness to eye problem and may get as worst as dysplasia, luxating patella and hereditary myopathy.

Dysplasia is a condition that involves abnormal development of the joint commonly affecting dogs. It is either an elbow or a joint dysplasia. This disease is possible caused by genetics, trauma, nutrition and other environmental factors, and is commonly found in large breed of dogs such as German Shepherds, Labrador dogs and Rottweilers. A dog with hip dysplasia may suffer from stiffness or soreness, reluctance to exercise and to stand on rear legs, lameness, pain and other abnormal gait. Elbow and hip dysplasia is diagnosed through x-rays, arthroscopy and hip scoring test. It is important that you control the body weight of your dog and to exercise him regularly to lessen the lameness and to help him improve his gait.

On the other hand, luxating patella is a condition wherein the patella or the kneecap moves out of its proper location. This too can be diagnosed through x-rays aside from palpitation of the knee. Dogs with luxating patella may exhibit limping in the rear leg. This disease may be treated surgically depending on the severity of the condition.

Another disease that could affect dogs is myopathy. A neuromuscular disease in which the muscle fibers do not function thus results to muscular weakness. This is primarily a muscle disease meaning the disease is within the muscle not the nerves. Condition such as muscle cramps, stiffness and spasm can also be associated with myopathy. Myopathy can be treated in various ways. It can be treated with the use of drugs, physical therapy, surgery and acupuncture.

Richard Cussons is not just a writer but also a great lover of dogs. Discover more about Labradors at this site dedicated to Labrador dogs.