What diseases are Golden Retrievers prone to?

1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. 

1. Subaortic Stenosis: Subaortic Stenosis is an inherited heart condition most common in larger breed dogs and is present at birth. It occurs when a dog is born with an abnormally narrow aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. The narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow properly through the heart and can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment.

1. Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer most common in larger breeds. This is a very dangerous form of cancer that can quickly spread to other parts of the body. The symptoms of bone cancer are subtle and can be easily confused with other conditions. Some signs include lameness, swelling, and joint or bone pain. There are treatment options available, but because the disease is so aggressive, the long-term prognosis is usually poor.

1. Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a blanket term that describes cancers originating in the blood. There are more than 30 types of lymphoma that affect dogs and they vary in aggressiveness, treatment and symptoms. Because the symptoms of lymphoma are so varied, it can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make sure your dog receives treatment is to keep an eye on their behavior and take them to the vet when something seems off or they appear to be in pain. The most common treatment for lymphoma is chemotherapy.

1. Others: Obesity, Ichthyosis (dry, scaly skin), ear infections (floppy-eared breeds do not drain water effectively), epilepsy, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Entropion (the rolling inward of an eyelid), and cataracts are also present in Golden Retrievers. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, elbow, and eye tests for the dog. When given the proper diet and exercise, many of these issues can be kept at bay.