Labrador Retriever Health Care & Management
By: Sharda Baker
Greetings fellow Labrador enthusiast,
Sharda Baker here.
In this article, I would like to discuss some of the common Labrador
Retriever medical problems.
In particular we will discuss the common causes of these medical
problems and their treatment.
LABRADOR
RETRIEVER MEDICAL CARE:
A Labrador Retriever is typically a very healthy and hardy
breed of dog, that is relatively long lived. Typically,
many of the problems that a Lab may experience (other than the genetic
conditions discussed before) will be relatively easy to treat
and manage.
COLD TAIL
One of the more perplexing problems that can occasionally bother an
adult Lab, especially a hunting dog, is called 'Cold Tail". This is a
condition where the Lab's tail actually seems to go numb, or may even
be somewhat irritating to the dog. The tail will hang limply behind the
dog, and often the dog will bite at it.
Usually this condition occurs after the dog has been very active in the
water, or has gone into icy water. Usually this condition will revert back to normal
within one or two days and does not require any particular
treatment, but it can
be very worrisome to an owner the first time it occurs.
EAR INFECTIONS
Labrador Retrievers that are very active in
swimming can easily develop ear infections. This is largely because of
the folded over natural position of the breed's ears, which can easily
trap moisture and water in the ear itself. When the ear is not allowed
to dry properly after swimming, the bacteria can easily build up along
with the waxy deposits. When this happens, the environment in the ear
is just right for rapid bacterial grown, resulting in chronic ear
infections.
To prevent ear
infections from becoming a problem, always check the ears at least once a week.
Watch for signs
of heavy wax build up, and a foul smell coming from the
ear itself.
To clean the ear
use a cotton ball or some soft gauze on your finger, but never a Q-tip
as this can potentially damage the dog's ear. If the dog's ear is
infected, take the dog to the vet immediately and get the infection
treated. After the infection is cleared up, consider using a weekly ear
cleaning solution that can be provided by your vet. Avoid using
homemade remedies or over-the-counter medications unless specifically recommended
by your vet.
EPILEPSY
Epilepsy in dogs is a neurological
disorder, just as it is in humans or other animals. It
results in seizures of various degrees of intensity, some which are so
mild that owners may not even realize that a seizure is occurring.
Epilepsy can occur either because of hereditary conditions, or because
of certain types if injuries or parasitic infestations. Most types of
epilepsy can be treated with regular medication. In dogs with severe
epileptic seizures, the condition may become progressively worse as the
dog ages, but this is relatively rare.
THYROID PROBLEMS
Labrador Retrievers are one of the many breeds that is occasionally
diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is
attacked by the bodies own immune system, resulting in poor coat
condition, obesity as well as a decrease in the amount of thyroxine
produced in the body.
Thyroid problems can usually be treated with a synthetic hormone that
is provided to the dog in the form of tablets. Dogs with thyroid
conditions will usually respond very quickly to this treatment.
OBESITY
Labradors are typically a very active breed, but they are
also big eaters. As Labradors age, their metabolism naturally slows
down, resulting in an more rapid weight gain - even with continued
exercise. In order to keep Labs in good shape, it is important to
provide lots of exercise as well as monitor their food intake, and
decrease or eliminate the treats and any human food or table scraps
they may be getting.
Regular vet checks
and taking your Lab to the vet for regular yearly check ups and
vaccinations is very important to their overall health and well being.
At the first sign of any illness or health concerns it is important to
immediately get your Lab
into see the vet, so that treatment can be completed as
quickly as possible.
All the best.
I will be back soon with some more information on the Labrador.
For further information on all your Lab's needs, please see our Insider's
Guide To The Labrador ebook and audio package.
