Golden Retriever Common Health Problems

Golden Retriever Common Health Problems

Several common health issues affect golden retrievers. One of these is hip dysplasia, which is a debilitating form of arthritis. It is caused by an abnormal growth of the ball and socket joint in the hip area. A healthy hip joint contains a ball-shaped thighbone that fits perfectly into the socket of the other hip bone, providing maximum stability. In addition, the hip joint has a strong ligament and a band of connective tissue to keep the bones in place.

Another common health problem in golden retrievers is bloat. Bloat is a dangerous condition for your dog. It causes the stomach to twist and fill with air, which prevents blood from reaching the heart. As a result, it can also cut off blood flow to the spleen and pancreas. Symptoms of bloat include a swollen abdomen, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, a weak pulse, pale gums, and vomiting.

Heart disease is another common Golden Retriever health problem. Goldens are particularly susceptible to subvalvular aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aorta, the tube that takes oxygenated blood from the heart. Without proper treatment, this condition can cause sudden death in your dog. As a result, it’s important to get your dog tested for this disease as soon as possible.

The dislocated patella is another common problem that dogs may face.

This disorder affects the kneecap. It’s common in small breeds, but it can also affect large breeds. Patellar luxation causes difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, and it increases the risk of injury to the cruciate ligaments. Cruciate ligaments are two ligaments that hold the knee joint together. They’re common injuries during sports and can result in severe pain and sometimes even necessitate surgery.

A deep-chested golden is especially prone to bloat. Bloat limits blood flow to the stomach, spleen, and other organs. It can be fatal in 30 minutes. Your dog will likely act restless and have an enlarged abdomen. It may even adopt a prayer position when resting. A veterinarian may recommend securing the stomach. In severe cases, bloat can lead to other medical problems, including blockages and torsion.

Another common issue that affects golden retrievers is the development of lick granuloma, which is a mass of tissue on the lower legs. It is produced by inflammation or infection. Those with this disease are more likely to experience excessive bleeding, internal organ bleeding, and blood in the urine. So, if you suspect your golden has VWD, make sure to take your dog to the vet for an examination.

Eye problems are another common issue in golden retrievers. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, and redness or bluish eyes in the whites of the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pain, a bulging eye, or even blindness. For this reason, glaucoma is considered a medical emergency.

Other common health issues of Golden Retrievers include allergies.

About half of them will experience some type of skin problem during their lifetime. Allergies can cause itchy, flaky skin, and sometimes even major infections like pyoderma, which is an infection of the skin filled with pus. Allergies can affect your pet in many ways, including food, insects, mold, bacteria, fungus, and dirt.

Ear infections can also affect Golden Retrievers. Ear problems can be caused by allergies or underlying diseases, so it’s important to regularly check your dog’s ears for signs of infection. To keep your golden dog from getting an ear infection, clean it regularly with a special solution designed for dogs. If you suspect an infection, seek veterinary attention immediately. Otherwise, it could lead to ear inflammation or even death.

Heartworm is another common dog health problem that can cause serious damage. Symptoms include itching and loss of hair patches. The symptoms of heartworm may not be evident until it’s too late. Fortunately, proper heartworm medicines can help prevent and treat these problems. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, heartworms can still cause a life-threatening infection. The best way to prevent heartworm is to get your dog regularly tested for heartworms.

Another common health issue affecting golden retrievers is cancer. Almost 50% of them contract cancer. Because they are so susceptible to the disease, it’s the leading cause of death for this breed. Fortunately, cancer is generally treatable. It usually shows up when your dog is in its middle years. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common form of cancer in golden retrievers. The most common treatment for this disease is chemotherapy, and surgery can be a lifelong commitment.