Hereditary conditions in Labrador Retrievers that EVERY BREEDER should be screening for

·       Hip Dysplasia (HD) – abnormal formation of the hip results in an unstable joint.  Cause - genetics coupled with nutrition and environment. Effect – variable lameness (some dogs none at all – some crippled).  Screening – X-rays from 12 months or later, must be evaluated by a qualified radiologist.

·       Elbow Dysplasia (ED) – 2 common possibilities in Labradors – Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD).  Cause – genetics and nutrition.  Effect – lameness, from 4 months old onwards, often seen as elbows tucked under the body with toes turned out. Screening – X-rays from 12 months or later, must be evaluated by a qualified radiologist.

·       Retinal Dysplasia (RD) – abnormal development of the retina, present at birth.  Cause – genetics in Labradors, possibly also viral, nutritional deficiencies, injury during foetal development.  Effect – if the retina detaches, is painful with immediate blindness.  Detachment may occur at any age.  Screening – eye test by qualified veterinary ophthalmologist.

·       Hereditary Cataracts (HC) – opacity (seen at whiteness) of the lens in the eye.  Cause – genetics.  Effect – blindness, and can develop at any age in Labradors, hence the need for annual eye tests.   Screening – eye test by qualified veterinary ophthalmologist – must be repeated annually.

·       Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – wasting away of the retina.  Cause – genetics.  Effects – blindness – Labradors usually develop PRA after 5-7 years old.     Screening – eye test by qualified veterinary ophthalmologist – must be repeated annually.  Best is DNA test done in the USA (Optigen), will definitively class dogs as Normal – totally unaffected,  Carrier – does not have the disease, but carries the genes,  Affected – has the disease. 

Epilepsy – nervous disorder resulting in mild to sever convulsions.  Cause – numerous, including genetic.  Effects – Nervous signs from trembling through to convulsions.  Screening – no screening tests, but unless medical tests reveal another cause (of which there are a number), affected animals should not be bred from.