Labrador Health Issues
Labradors have a life expectancy of 10-12 years in general. It is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to Labrador health and well-being include:
Hip and Elbow Dyslapsia. Breeders are required to obtain hip and elbow scores for their dogs and breeding from dogs with low hip or elbow scores and are not breed from dogs with insufficient scores.
Eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) and Cataract. Breeders are required to DNA test for PRA while CNM tests are optional. Breeders must also have their dogs examined annually for Cataract.
Exercise Induced Collapse causes hyperthermia after short bouts of exercise. DNA testing is optional but becoming more common for breeders.
Obesity is a serious condition that is acquired rather than inherited. Obesity is considered the number one nutritional problem with Labradors. They should keep a slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set.
Hip and Elbow Dyslapsia. Breeders are required to obtain hip and elbow scores for their dogs and breeding from dogs with low hip or elbow scores and are not breed from dogs with insufficient scores.
Eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) and Cataract. Breeders are required to DNA test for PRA while CNM tests are optional. Breeders must also have their dogs examined annually for Cataract.
Exercise Induced Collapse causes hyperthermia after short bouts of exercise. DNA testing is optional but becoming more common for breeders.
Obesity is a serious condition that is acquired rather than inherited. Obesity is considered the number one nutritional problem with Labradors. They should keep a slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set.
