Hereditary Diseases
Hip Displasia (HD)

Hip Displasia is a crippling congenital malformation that is caused when the ball of the thighbone does not fit properly into the socket of the hip joint, causing permanent damage to the joint. While severe cases may be evident in puppies showing an uneven gait, HD is generally a gradual, progressive disease that manifests itself at about 1 year of age.

As an affected dog ages movement becomes painful and the back legs become lame. While steps can be taken to relieve pain and slow the course of the disintegration of the joint by limiting exercise, there is no cure.

Signs to look out for include stiffness on rising, an odd bunny hopping gait or lameness. Because hip displasia is known to be hereditary, dogs should be
x-rayed and evaluated for the condition when they are approximately 1 year old.
Any dog exhibiting even a slight tendency toward this condition should not be considered for breeding.

Through the efforts of dedicated breeders the progress of this condition can be thwarted, and hopefully eliminated in years to come.


Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Unfortunately Labrador Retrievers may inherit some eye defects that could lead to blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is a disease in which blindness develops gradually. Subtle changes in the appearance of the dogs' retina are indicators.

Affected dogs of either sex must not be used for breeding. There is no treatment for PRA so the disease must be controlled by the testing of breeding dogs.


Osteochondritis Dissicans (OCD)

This disease occurs in the shoulder and other joints of the Labrador and other large breeds. The dog becomes lame between six and nine months of age due to a piece of joint cartilage breaking away from the underlying bone.
Usually more than one joint is affected but to varying degrees. An x-ray is necessary to diagnose the defect in the cartilage.

In severe cases a surgical operation is necessary to remove the loose or detached fragment. If the condition is untreated  the joint may become arthritic or the piece of cartilage may move around in the joint, causing great pain.
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