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Eye And Heart Disease In Golden Retrievers

Eye disease is very common with Golden Retrievers. Most Golden’s will generally have hereditary cataracts, which is a common eye problem. At an early age, with affected Golden’s, one type of hereditary cataract will appear. Even though it may not cause interference with the vision of the Golden Retriever, some dogs will progress into total and quite possibly severe loss of vision.

Sometimes, Golden Retrievers can get affected by non hereditary cataracts, although an examination by a board certified veterinarian can determine just how bad the cataracts really are. If cataracts are indeed suspected with a Golden Retriever, then breeding won’t be recommended. Breeding a Golden who has this condition can lead to serious problems, such as passing it on to the pups.

Several families of the Golden Retriever breed have been known to carry genes for CPRA (Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which affects the retina, and can result in permanent blindness for Golden’s at a young age. There are other types of eye defects as well, such as retinal dysplasia, which prevents a Golden from breeding.

Trouble with both the eyelid and eyelashes are also a possibility with Golden Retrievers, with some being the result of hereditary factors. The eyelids rotating in or out, or the eyelashes rubbing on or in the eye are both common problems with the breed. Even though surgery can help to fix these types of problems, dogs that are experiencing this type of problem shouldn’t be allowed to breed nor compete in shows under any type of AKC rules.

You should always have your Golden Retriever checked annually for eye disease, as it can develop during any age. When you take your Golden to have him examined for eye disease, you should have a veterinary ophthalmologist do the exam. He has all of the necessary equipment, and the proper training needed to make sure that your dog gets the best examination possible.

Heart Disease

SAS (Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis) is the most common and widespread form of heart disease within the entire Golden Retriever species. Before you breed your Golden Retriever, you should always have him examined for heart disease by a certified veterinary cardiologist. If the cardiologist detects a heart murmur, he will recommend additional tests for your dog.

In the event that the results prove negative, it doesn’t necessarily rule heart disease out, as some milder forms may still be present, although undetectable. If a Golden Retriever is diagnosed to have any type of heart disease, he should not breed. Breeding Golden Retrievers who have heart disease can lead to serious and sometimes fatal results. To be on the safe side, you should always have your Golden tested for his disease before you plan on breeding.

Eye And Heart Disease In Golden Retrievers courtesy of Dog Articles.

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Dogs and Diabetes

It may surprise you to learn, but dogs can develop diabetes just as people can.  Diabetes is a life-threatening illness so you will need to closely monitor your dog’s blood sugar and provide him with the correct medication. You will also need to carefully manage his diet.

As with people there are two types of diabetes in dogs:  diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.  Diabetes mellitus is also divided into two types, Type I diabetes which can occur in the early years of a dog’s life and which is also called juvenile dog diabetes.  And Type II diabetes.  This kind of diabetes usually appears in elderly dogs.  It is most often characterized by the dog’s dependence of insulin.

With diabetes mellitus dogs typically have an insulin deficiency.  The dog’s body is unable to metabolize sugar very well.  This is the more common and the more dangerous kind of diabetes in dogs.

With diabetes insipidus there is a lack of vasopressin.  This is an anti-diuretic hormone that controls the kidney’s absorption of water.

As dogs age they are more prone to acquiring diabetes.  Larger dogs are also more likely to get diabetes.  Overweight female dogs are also very prone to diabetes.  Diabetes will depend on the dog’s pancreas secreting the correct level of insulin to use all of the glucose produced by the body.  If the pancreas doesn’t produce the right amount, then the diabetic problem occurs.

Symptoms of diabetes can include:

Drinking more, urinating more, weight loss, increased appetite, dehydration, and sudden cataract formation

Diabetes is an endocrine disease and it is also influenced by heredity.  Being controlled by the endocrine system, it is also considered an autoimmune system disease and when diabetes occurs it can lead to other autoimmune system problems.  Early diagnosis is very important.  Your vet will need to perform a sugar blood test to get a diagnosis.  Once diagnosed, you will need to continue to monitor your dog to make sure he stays in stable condition.

You will need to talk to your vet about medications and your dog’s diet.  He or she can tell you what foods will be good for your dog and which kinds of food to avoid.  You will need to make regular visits to your vet so he or she can monitor your dog’s health.

Depending on your dog’s case, medication may be needed to help with the diabetes.  Insulin injections may be needed.  They can often help a dog live a normal life and extend his life for many years.

Diabetes can sometimes lead to other diseases, such as heart problems.  There can be circulatory problems.  You should watch your dog for signs that he could be developing other health problems, but with the proper diet and medication he should be able to live a reasonably normal life.

Dogs and Diabetes courtesy of Dog Articles

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