Common Golden Retriever Health Problems and Diseases

Title: Common Golden Retriever Health Problems and Diseases
Author: Moses Wright

Common Golden Retriever Health Problems and Diseases
There are around six major conditions or diseases that
Golden Retrievers most frequently suffer with. Golden
Retrievers are by no means unhealthy animals. In fact, they
are one of the healthier breeds out there. But there are
common problems that Golden Retrievers can struggle with
and it behooves the owner to know what they are in order to
keep an eye out for them.

Skin diseases are one of the top problems with Golden
Retrievers. They can have something as simple as a mosquito
bite or a flea itch that will cause an itchy part of their
skin. These dogs will then chew the area until they create
a lesion or something known as a hot spot. A hot spot is a
raw, red and moist patch that will get larger every time
the dog messes with it. It will usually require a bandage
or a special collar to keep the dog away from this area in
order to give it a chance to heal.

Golden Retrievers can suffer from allergies faster than
most other breeds. Wheat is typically an offending factor
and a lot of commercial dog foods have wheat in their
recipes. It's not toxic for the animals, but it can cause
them some digestive issues or cause them to itch
uncontrollably. If the dog licks its face excessively or
scratches constantly, you might have a dog that is allergic.

Underneath the outer layers of skin, more serious forms of
skin disease can be formed. There are different types of
fatty lipomas and the severe liposarcoma that can become
common as the dogs grow older.

Fatty lipomas are typically benign and will be able to be
removed the next time a dog gets his teeth cleaned and gets
general anesthesia. They might grow bigger, but they are
not a health concern and can be left alone without worry.
Liposarcomas, however, are malignant and need to be removed
as quickly as possible. They need to be treated as soon as
they are diagnosed.

Eye problems, such as cataracts, can be common in Golden
Retrievers that are older than the age of 10. These eye
problems can lead to blindness or at least reduced vision
in the animal. There is no treatment for these conditions.

Heart conditions are less common in Golden Retrievers, but
if they do occur, you will see either subvalvular aortic
stenosis or cardiomyopathy. Subvalvular aortic stenosis is
an obstruction in the ventricle left vein that will cause a
reduction in blood flow. Sometimes, the condition is
harmless, although the dog will not be allowed to run
around as much. When the condition is serious, the heart
has to work harder due to the heart muscle thickening. This
heart problem is usually genetic and the treatment can be
beta blockers to mild antibiotics. Surgery is always a
possibility but unlike human heart surgery, it has had
limited success.

Cardiomyopathy is an acquired disease which is more
serious. It tends to happen in dogs that are 4 to 10 years
old and the cause is unknown. The heart muscle will become
thin and flabby, progressively getting worse until the dog
passes away.

Nevertheless, most Golden Retrievers live a long and
healthy live. With the right diet and plenty of exercise,
your animal has a better shot at living a wonderful life.

About the Author:

Moses Wright is a pet lover and loves to help new pet
owners deal with their pet problems at home. You can find
more pet problems and solutions for free here:
http://www.petquery.com/

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