Health Problems and Diseases Affecting Golden Retriever Breed

By Moses Wright
Golden Retrievers are prone to afflictions form six common illnesses. Although they are not unhealthy by nature, and are considered one of the hardier dogs around, there exists common afflictions that would still affect them badly. Then, it is up to the owner to try to understand the condition and causes of these illnesses to try to spot the symptoms to help their dogs cope with them.

Skin diseases are one of the top problems with Golden Retrievers. They could have causes as simple as a flea itch or mosquito bite that can cause their skin to be irritated and inflamed. These dogs will then chew the area until they create a lesion or something known as a hot spot. A hot spot is a raw, red and moist patch that will get larger every time the dog messes with it. It normally requires a bandage or a special collar to stop the dog from touching the area so as to give it time to recover.

Golden Retrievers can be more susceptible to allergies in comparison to other dogs. Wheat is typically an offending factor and a lot of commercial dog foods have wheat in their recipes. It is not lethal to animals but it can cause them to have problems with their digestion or cause their skin to become inflamed and irritated. If the dog licks its face excessively or scratches constantly, you might have a dog that is allergic.

Beneath the outer layers of the skin, there could be more severe types of diseases. There are different types of fatty lipomas and the severe liposarcoma that can become common as the dogs grow older.

Fatty lipomas are usually not harmful and are easily removed when your dog gets his teeth cleaned and general anesthesia is given to him. They might grow bigger, but they are not a health concern and can be left alone without worry. Liposarcomas, however, are malignant and need to be removed as quickly as possible. They need to be treated as soon as they are diagnosed.

Eye problems, such as cataracts, can be common in Golden Retrievers that are older than the age of 10. Such eye afflictions can lead to poorer vision or even blindness in the dog. There is no treatment for these conditions.

Heart conditions are less common in Golden Retrievers, but if they do occur, you will see either subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. Subvalvular aortic stenosis is a blockage in the left vein of the ventricle and will cause a decrease in the blood flow. Sometimes, the condition is harmless, although the dog will not be allowed to run around as much. When the condition is serious, the heart has to work harder due to the heart muscle thickening. This heart problem is usually genetic and the treatment can be beta blockers to mild antibiotics. An operation is always a solution but compared to operations on the human heart, it has a lower chance of success.

Cardiomyopathy is an acquired disease which is more serious. The reason for this is still unknown although there is a tendency for dogs aged between 4 to 10 to get it. The heart muscle will become weaker and flaccid, and it will degenerate until the dog dies.

Nevertheless, most Golden Retrievers live a long and healthy live. Your dog can lead a fulfilling life with the correct nutrition and adequate exercise.

Moses Wright loves to help dog owners with their pet dog behavior problems. You can find more free dog problems and solutions resources on his site: http://www.petquery.com/dog.htm

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