Golden Retriever Health Issues
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The Most Common Golden Retriever Health Issues
Golden Retrievers are often characterized as one of the most popular breeds in America. They are known for their sweet and gentle demeanor, which makes them great family dogs. However, these dogs suffer from many health conditions that can affect their quality of life over time. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common Golden Retriever health issues and what you can do to prevent them!
Common Health Issues In Golden Retrievers
- Fading Puppy Syndrome
- Heart Disease and Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Urinary Stones or Crystals
- Bacterial Infections, such as E-Coli and Salmonella Trapped in the Liver
- Hypothyroidism or Low Thyroid Levels
- Genetic factors can cause glaucoma with Intraocular Hypertension (IOP)*The prevalence of these diseases; environmental factors that increase exposure to toxins; prolonged periods of stress. *Low thyroid levels are often detected through a simple blood test! Other pre-symptoms include weight gain, weakness/fatigue, depression, and anemia. These are common symptoms for many different illnesses, too, so always consult your veterinarian.
What is Fading Puppy Syndrome?
Fading Puppy Syndrome is when your Golden Retriever puppy starts to show signs of old age even though they are just a few months old. It can be caused by hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, an impaired liver function that causes an enzyme deficiency called pyruvate kinase.
Why Do Golden Retrievers Get Heart Disease So Easily?
One of the main reasons is due to their genetics. Golden Retrievers are all descendants of the same small group developed in England for hunting game, which means they have a common ancestor with similar traits and characteristics. The English Cocker Spaniel is also known to experience heart disease somewhat quickly due to their genetic lineage!
Urinary Stones In Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers may develop urinary stones due to the rapid growth of their kidneys, which can create an environment where crystals and other substances may form in the urine.
Hypoglycemia In Golden Retrievers
This is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels are too low. It typically happens when the dog has not eaten for some time or consumed something sweet without giving themselves enough time to metabolize it fully (such as drinking juice straight from the fruit). Hypoglycemic dogs will need medical attention immediately! Feeding them certain foods such as peanut butter, honey, or orange juice could help slow down hypoglycemia symptoms until you get your pet to a vet clinic.
The average lifespan for the Golden Retriever is between 12 and 14 years. Many factors affect this, such as size (larger dogs live longer than smaller ones) or genetics- there have been cases where Goldens lived up to 16 years! Start taking your dog in for annual checkups with their veterinarian, along with other preventative measures like weight control, monthly eye exams, and dental care. It will also help increase the length of your Goldens lifespan. Golden Retrievers, like all other dog breeds, do have their own set of health problems. The best way to avoid these issues is to take your dog to the vet regularly for checkups. This way, if something is found, it can be caught early enough and more than likely treatable. These incredible dogs deserve a great life, so be sure to schedule that vet appointment and make it a recurring event!
