Labrador Retrievers - Choosing a Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers - Choosing a Labrador Retriever

By: Dr. B. Sweeney

In addition, although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:

  • Tricuspid valve dysplasia - is a congenital developmental problem associated with a valve in the heart.

  • Osteocondrosis of the shoulder is congenital problem that causes degenerative joint disease of the shoulder joint.

  • Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament is a problem that results from tearing of the cruciate ligament, causing lameness that may be severe.

  • Diabetes Mellitus is a disease of the pancreas related to insufficient amounts of insulin production.

  • Hyperadrenocorticism is a disorder affecting the adrenal glands. When overactive, the adrenal glands secrete excessive cortisol, resulting in illness.

  • Nasal Depigmentation - may affect some yellow Labradors. Seasonal depigmentation is also seen in this breed.


  • Cutaneous Histiocytoma - is a benign tumor of the skin that can affect young dogs.

  • Retinal detachment is the separation of the retina, the innermost tunic layer of the back of the eye.

  • Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

  • Ectropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes eversion of the eyelid margin. It most commonly affects the lower central eyelid.

  • Congenital Idiopathic Megaesophagus - is a dilatation of the esophagus caused by decreased contraction of the muscles, causing food regurgitation.

  • Lick granuloma is a condition in which the dog licks an area excessively, usually on the front leg, until a raised, firm ulcerated lesion is formed.

  • Myasthenia gravis is a disorder characterized by muscular weakness that is aggravated by activity and relieved by rest. It is caused by an impairment of transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, which results in muscle weakness.


    Life Span

    The average life span of the Labrador retriever is 10 to 13 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.



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