Medical Problems Of Golden
Retrievers
Epilepsy
Also known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally
occur from viral infections, and environmental factors
as well. Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t
always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures
should never be bred. Vets can recommend medicines that
control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t
always effective. Although epilepsy doesn’t affect the
health of a Golden Retriever, it does have an effect on
breeding. You can never tell if it is indeed heredity,
therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question -
to avoid passing it on to the litter.
Skin allergies
Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with
Golden Retrievers. Skin allergy is normally the result
of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen,
food, and even mold. Symptoms will vary, although they
can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear
infections. Diet is extremely important here, as it can
help to prevent a lot of these problems. If you consult
with your vet, you can more than likely eliminate the
risks your pet has of getting a skin allergy.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid
gland to malfunction. Golden Retrievers that are
affected by this disease will normally show such
symptoms as coat problems or obesity. This medical
problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well.
A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders,
as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden
Retriever to breed.
The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral
supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis. Once it
has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear
to be normal and dog will have a normal, healthy life
span, providing there are no other medical problems.
This condition is somewhat common with Golden
Retrievers, and can be diagnosed by your vet.
Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will
have seizures, although this will stop once they go on
the oral treatment medicine. Even though the hypothyroid
condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should
monitor your dog to be on the safe side. You don’t want
to take any chances with your dog coming down with
epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet
do routine checks.
Even though medical problems are somewhat common with
Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them by
making sure your dog is healthy. If you do your part and
make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t
have anything to worry about. Golden Retrievers are
generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from
time to time. If you take your dog to the vet and get
him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better
and back to his normal self in no time at all.
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