Labrador

Labs are healthy dogs overall, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for inheritable conditions that the breed is susceptible to, including elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, hereditary myopathy , and certain eye conditions.

• Hip dysplasia and Elbow dysplasia are inherited conditions which occur when the ball and socket of the affected joint do not fit together properly. As these conditions can cause painful arthritis in the joint later in the dog’s life, it is essential to begin management and/or treatment of the condition as soon as possible. For elbow dysplasia, surgery may be recommended.
• Osteochondrosis dissecans is an orthopaedic disorder which affects the elbows and occasionally the shoulders and is caused by poor cartilage growth in the joints. The condition can be prevented by ensuring the dog is not fed too much puppy formula or high-protein foods.
• Myopathy (muscle weakness) is a condition which affects the muscles and nervous system and occurs early in the dog’s life. Signs include stiffness when walking, lethargy, and collapsing after exercise. No cure is available, but keeping the dog at a comfortable temperature and giving it adequate rest may help.
• Cataracts are characterised by cloudy patches on the lens of the eye which prevent light from reaching the retina. Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes and they may progress slowly or rapidly, leading to vision impairment and/or blindness. They can usually be removed with good results.
• Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a family of eye conditions which result in the deterioration of the retina. In the early stages, dogs may lose their sight at night, and then gradually lose their sight during the daytime too. Most dogs, however, adapt to their vision loss very well in their familiar settings and only struggle if faced with new or changing environments.
• Epilepsy causes mild to severe seizures, which can manifest themselves as unusual behaviour or shaking. Though frightening, most dogs with epilepsy have a generally good prognosis. However, epilepsy can also be a symptom of a larger issue, so it is important to see a vet as soon as possible.
• Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a heart defect caused by a malformed tricuspid valve. It affects an increasing number of Labradors, and though many dogs show no signs of the condition, it can be fatal. It is detectable through an ultrasound.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (also known as “bloat”) is a life-threatening stomach condition that can occur if the dog is fed one large meal a day, eats quickly, drinks a lot, or exercises after eating. The stomach becomes distended and twists, and the dog is unable to expel excess gas. The dog’s blood pressure drops, and without immediate attention the dog could die. Symptoms of bloat include excessive salivating, retching, restlessness and lethargy. Owners should be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if they occur.
• Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition which causes redness and inflammation, often due to an infection. It is treatable with proper grooming, medicated shampoo, and medication.
• Cold tail occurs when the dog’s tail goes limp. The Labrador may bite at its tail, but the condition usually disappears on its own after a few days.
• Ear Infections are one of the most common canine conditions seen by vets. Labradors who swim often are prone to ear infection because of the shape of their ears. The lab’s ears should be checked and cleaned once a week to prevent infections setting in.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.