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Some Inherited Disorders in LabradorsMost purebred dogs, including Labrador Retrievers, are occasionally born with an inherited disorder. The more common disorders include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia, and PRA. Epilepsy, heart defects, canine hypothyroidism, and inherited bleeding disorders are very rarely seen in Labradors. eye disorders
There are several minor inherited disorders associated with eyelids. The eyelashes are turned inward in Entropion. In Ectropion, the eyelashes are turned outward. Distichiasis is associated with extra eyelashes. Most of the conditions are easily corrected with minor surgery. More serious inherited eye disorders in Labradors include cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Not all eye diseases result in blindness. Surgery is a possible treatment for cataracts. Reducing the risk of genetic disorders in Labradors: Annual eye examinations by certified veterinary ophthalmologists are recommended since some eye disorders are not detected in young dogs. Affected dogs should not be considered for breeding. Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia affects many breeds. Hip dysplasia is associated with a deterioration of the ball and socket hip joint. The dog experiences pain and progressive lameness. The severity of the condition ranges from slight to severe. Surgical repair is often very successful. Elbow dysplasia also occurs in Labradors and a surgical repair may be an option for affected dogs. Factors other than genes are associated with dysplasia in joints. Nutrition, excessive joint stress and extra weight at a young age contribute to hip and elbow dysplasia. Reducing the risk of these genetic disorders in Labradors: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certifies hip structure based on x-ray evaluation. OFA certifies hips as excellent, good and fair. PennHIP evaluates hips based on hip laxity. Dogs that score 50% or better are potential candidates for breeding. Affected dogs will be excluded from their breeding program. OFA also certifies elbows. Since inherited elbow diseases are usually detected in affected dogs at a young age, some established "old school" breeders do not have elbow x-rays taken if the dog has not been lame. Most responsible breeders obtain elbow clearance. Affected dogs should not be bred. Seizure disorders and epilepsy
Seizures in Labradors can be due to an inherited form of epilepsy. Seizures are often a result of a wide variety of non-genetic factors. Infections, trauma, low blood sugar levels, toxins and pesticides exposure can result in seizures. This disorder is very difficult for dog owners to cope with. Fortunately, this disorder is rare and many dogs respond well to medication. Reducing the risk of this genetic disorder in Labradors: There is no screening test for the inherited form of epilepsy. Affected dogs should not be bred. Dogs with several close relatives with a seizure disorder may not be good candidates for breeding. Thyroid disease
Canine hypothyroidism is due to a deficiency of the hormones
produced by the
thyroid gland. Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis is an inherited
form of
hypothyroidism that very rarely occurs in Labradors. Symptoms of
the
disorder include weight gain, lethargy and hair loss. The
disorder usually
develops by the time the dogs is 5 years old. It is easily
treated with a
daily dose of thyroxin. This inherited form of hypothyroidism is
very rare in Labradors. Reducing the risk of this genetic disorder in Labradors:
OFA offers a thyroid registry, but this clearance is
not
recommended for Labradors. Affected dogs should not be
breed. tricuspid value
dyslasia
Tricuspid
Value Dysplasia, or TVD, is a congenital defect that is rarely seen
in
Labradors. During embryonic development, the flaps of the
tricuspic valve adhered to the wall of the heart. Normally, these
flaps detach and a functional valve between the
chambers of the right side of the heart develops. The valve opens
to allow the flow of blood from the atrium into the ventricle.
The closed valve prevents blood from flowing back into the atrium when
the ventricle pumps blood out to the heart. If the flaps
remain attached, the valve does not develop properly. The result
is an abnormal flow of blood in the right side of the heart. TVD is known to be an inherited disorder. Research conducted by Dr. Kathy Wright suggests that TVD is caused by a dominant gene with reduced penetrance. Some dogs with the defect gene may not develop TVD, but they can pass the defect gene to their offspring. The severity of the disorder varies from very mild to very severe. Some dogs with TVD develop fatal cardiac changes. Reducing the risk of these genetic disorders in Labradors: OFA issues a cardiac certification for dogs that are not affected. An echocardiagram is recommended to rule out TVD since heart murmurs are not detected in some dogs with a mild form of the disorder. Although this clearance is not yet recommended for Labradors, some breeders have started to screen their breeding stock. Affected dogs should not be bred. Dogs with several close relatives with TVD may not be good candidates for breeding. von willebrand's disease
Von Willebrand's Disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that is rare in Labradors. A recessive gene that codes for an abnormal protein is responsible of this disease. The severity of the disorder is variable. Reducing the risk of this genetic disorder in Labradors: A screening tests for this bleeding disorder is available, but the occurrence of this bleeding disorder is Labradors is very low. Currently, screening for this disorder is not recommended for Labradors. Affected dogs are not candidates for breeding. |
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