5 Common Health Problems In Golden Retrievers - Symptoms & Treatment

Captivating brown eyes, bright coat like the sun and an adorable face that can?retrieve?your happiness back from the depths of the earth. There’s nothing better than the word ‘joy’ to describe our beautiful Golden Retrievers!?

As pet parents, we wish for our pets to live healthier and happier lives with us. It’s important that we read up on the history of our dog’s breed and provide care that suits their needs. In this blog, we’ll touch upon 5?common health problems in Golden Retrievers, symptoms to identify them and how we can help our Goldies live their best lives.

1. Understanding the Golden Retriever's?breed history?

Golden Retrievers are working dogs and were first bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century by a man called Dudley Marjoribanks who was looking for a loyal and intelligent hunting dog who excelled in retrieving game from both land and water. Today, Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds due to their friendly and gentle nature.?

However, evolution and constant breeding of these beings have resulted in common genetic health issues. Now this doesn’t mean that all Golden Retrievers will have each of these health problems, it simply means that these breeds are?susceptible?to these illnesses.?

2. Here are 5?common health problems in Golden Retrievers

2.1 Hip Dysplasia & Joint Issues?

Hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers is one of the more common health issues that can cause discomfort, pain and reduced mobility. But what does it mean? This condition is caused by an abnormal development of the hip joint in large dogs, leading to inflammation and eventually causing a degenerative joint disease.?

Golden Retrievers are a large breed of working dogs that need a lot of physical exercise. When our dogs do not receive the intended exercise, it can lead to health and fitness related problems.?Golden Retriever hip dysplasia?can be traced back to genetics, poor diet and lack of exercise. It’s important that our Goldies maintain a healthy weight.?Obesity in Golden Retrievers?can trigger hip dysplasia and joint issues such as?arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteochondritis and make movement difficult and painful. Symptoms include bunny-hopping gait,?reduced range of motion, pain in extension of the joint, walking, decreased activity level, and a reluctance to climb stairs or jump.

Look for?high-quality dog food?and?joint-support nutritious treats?that contain essential nutrients like chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health as they can help slow the onset of the disease and alleviate the symptoms. Get in touch with your?veterinarian so they can develop?a diet and exercise plan that’s appropriate for your dog’s age and condition.

2.2 Cancer

We love our dogs and the thought of anything happening to them is unsettling. However, just like humans, cancer in dogs is very much real.?Cancer is a serious?health problem in Golden Retrievers?and can occur at any age. The breed prediliction may be towards lymphoma, mast cell tumours, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Early detection is possible?if one remembers to look out for the signs.

Symptoms in Golden Retrievers can vary depending on the type of cancer. However, few early symptoms can include:

• Sudden weight loss?
• Lumps, bumps or discoloured skin?
• Loss in appetite
• Wounds/Sores that are not healing?
• Abnormal/bad odour from the mouth/ faeces
• Difficulty in breathing and eating?
• Extreme lethargy?
• Lameness

HUFT Tip: If you notice any of these signs, visit your vet immediately.?

And while there are no guaranteed ways to prevent cancer in Golden Retrievers, there are preventive methods that can help reduce the risk. These include:

• Ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are up to date
• Getting a physical check at the vet every 6-12 months?
• Providing them with a?balanced diet?
• Keeping them away from harmful chemicals. Using?pet-safe products?instead?
• Avoiding exposing your pet to cigarette smoke

2.3 Heart Problems

Two common?Golden Retriever heart problems?include dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Aortic stenosis. DCM is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and the heart muscle becomes weak This makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body effectively.?Aortic stenosis, typically caused by a ridge or ring of fibrotic tissue?within the left ventricular outflow tract just below the aortic valve?(subaortic stenosis), is a common congenital defect of large breed dogs,which can cause the heart to work harder, and lead to heart failure if left untreated.?

Symptoms of these two?Golden Retriever heart problems?include extremely lethargy, difficulty in breathing, coughing as well as fainting. It is important to consult your veterinarian on how you can keep your dog’s heart healthy. Regular screening can help catch any issues early on.

2.4.?Seizures

Seizures in Golden Retrievers?can have many different causes, like epilepsy, brain tumours, infections, and toxins. Sudden and uncontrollable shaking or convulsions, drooling, loss of bladder and/or bowel control, and loss of consciousness are some symptoms of a?seizure. In some instances, a seizure may last for several minutes, and the dog may seem confused or disoriented afterwards.?

If your Golden Retriever experiences a seizure, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your vet may perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the seizure and prescribe medications to manage future seizures. With proper care and management, many?dogs with seizures?can still lead happy and healthy lives!?

?2.5.?Thyroid Problems

Your pet can experience two kinds of thyroid issues. These include Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism, an under active thyroid gland, is the most common Golden Retrievers thyroid disorder. Symptoms of?hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers?can include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, dry skin, and a decreased tolerance for cold temperatures.?

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, is less common in Golden Retrievers but can also occur. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in Golden Retrievers can include weight loss, increased appetite, hyperactivity, and restlessness.

Blood tests can determine if your dog has a thyroid problem, and medication can often help regulate thyroid hormone levels and manage symptoms.