The golden retriever is a large breed of dog characterized by a fluffy golden coat, and was originally bred to retrieve waterfowl such as ducks during hunts. The intelligence and friendly nature of golden retrievers have made them popular as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, drug dogs and family pets. However, like most large breeds, this type of dog is prone to developing a number of health problems.
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Hip Dysplasia
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Hip dysplasia affects more than 15 percent of golden retriever dogs, according to the Natural Dog Health Remedies website. Although it is believed to be inherited, it also can be caused from excessive weight or vaccinations. While some dogs with this condition may only experience a light limp, others can have a complete dislocation of the hip and become unable to walk. Veterinarians will usually recommend medications such as glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain joint health.
Bloat
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Bloat, also known as gastric dilation, is caused by the buildup of gas in the stomach, sometimes causing the animal to end up with a twisted stomach. Dogs with larger, deep chests such as the golden retriever are often prone to this condition. Symptoms can include a distended abdomen, vomiting, excessive drooling and shallow breathing. Your veterinarian can prescribe medications used to treat this condition such as belladonna, nux vomica and carbo vegetabilis. Feeding your pet smaller portions of food throughout the day can also help to prevent bloat.
Von Willebrand's Disease
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Von Willebrand's Disease, also known as VWD, is an inherited blood clotting disorder known to affect golden retriever dogs. Animals with this disorder may experience bleeding from the nose or gums, will bleed excessively upon injury and may even have blood in the urine. The best treatment is early detection, then prevention. Pet owners who notice frequent bleeding in the dog should take it to the veterinarian immediately. Dogs with this condition should not be allowed to participate in rough play and should eat soft food that will not cause injury to the gums.
Epilepsy
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Epilepsy in golden retrievers is usually hereditary but can also be caused by vaccinations, poisoning, liver disease, kidney disease, brain injuries or tumors, and also by heatstroke. Symptoms of epilepsy will include seizures, causing the dog to foam at the mouth, experience muscle contractions and, in some cases, even faint. A veterinarian will usually recommend anticonvulsant medications such as phenobarbital to control the seizures, but some herbs can also be used such as skullcap, oat straw and valerian.
Aortic Stenosis
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Aortic stenosis is a common heart problem often seen in large breeds of dogs such as golden retrievers. It occurs when there is a partial blockage to blood flow as it leaves the left ventricle. The heart must then pump harder to push through the blood and this can cause health problems over an extended period of time, or even death. Unfortunately, the condition is hard to detect. Symptoms may include fainting or tiredness during play and exercise. Veterinarians may prescribe beta blocker drugs to treat the condition. In mild cases, no treatment may be required. Surgery to open the stenotic area of the heart and make it wider is also an option.
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