Every dog lover has gone through the nerve-wracking experience of having their loving and devoted companion get sick. When a Labrador Retriever (or other canine for that matter) falls ill, it can get very difficult to determine what ails them since dogs cannot speak and can’t tell you where it hurts or what they are feeling.
If you love your Lab and want to ensure that you are on top of their health, you need to know the common Labrador health problems, symptoms to watch out for, and what to do.
Emergency Symptoms to Watch Out For
There are signs and symptoms that warrant emergency consultations with your vet. Don’t delay seeking help if your dog should present with any of the following:
- Scratching or shaking of the head, tender or painful ears, presence of ear discharge
- Straining or total inability to urinate; discolored or bloody urine (Incontinence or kidney disease)
- Frequent urination, increased thirst and drinking but its coat is dry and has a potbelly
- Eye abnormalities, including itching, redness, or clouding
- Dry heaving or vomiting
- Bloated, tight, and painful abdomen
- Slow or stunting of growth; maybe accompanied by seizures after eating
- Gums that turn a different color instead of the usual bright pink
- Easy bruising or heavy bleeding from small wounds (Hemophilia)
- Weight loss despite increased hunger or thirst
- Labored breathing, pale gums, weakness, or sudden collapse
- Swelling of lymph nodes accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- Leg or joint stiffness, so that your dog doesn’t want to run, jump, or climb stairs
- Sudden collapse while exercising
Common Health Problems in Labradors and Their Symptoms
Here is a list of some of the common health problems that you may encounter in Labradors and their symptoms. This is not, however, a complete list. So, again, it is important that you bring your dog to the vet in case any of the above emergency symptoms develop.
Dental Disease
Symptoms: Inability to pick up food, inflamed or bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, blood in its water bowl, presence of lumps in the mouth, bloody or ropey saliva
Dental disease is common in Labs. It begins with tartar buildup in the teeth. If you don’t brush your Lab’s teeth regularly, it will lead to infection of the teeth roots and gums. Aside from teeth loss, infection from dental disease may cause damage to your dog’s vital organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and joints
Bacterial and Viral Infection
General Symptoms: Lethargy, appetite loss, fever
If your Lab seems to be feeling tired or wants to just lie down all the time, refuses to eat, and is warm to the touch, there is a strong possibility that it is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection. For Parvovirus, you can also expect abdominal pain, bloating, and persistent diarrhea and vomiting. In cases of Distemper, your dog may exhibit watery or pus-like discharges from the eyes and nose and vomiting. Rabies symptoms include weakness, seizures, paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles (so that it cannot drink and causes foaming of the mouth), disorientation, loss of coordination, staggering gait, and disturbing behavioral changes, particularly aggression.
Labs should be given their regular Parvo, Distemper, and Rabies vaccinations. If shots were administered to your dog and it exhibits any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it needs to be brought to the vet so that the correct antibiotics can be prescribed.
Overweight/Obesity
Symptoms Resulting from Obesity: Joint and back pains, symptoms of heart disease, metabolic disorders, etc.
Labradors, being the smart dogs that they are, get overweight or obese because they enjoy obeying their owners for the chance of receiving treats. However, despite your delight over your dog’s antics, you are doing it a lot more harm than good by overfeeding it. You are increasing its risk for serious diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders. Obese Labs need to undergo a diet and exercise regimen for weight loss that is approved by the vet.
Parasites
Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites: Diarrhea, vomiting, scooting (rubbing its butt across the floor), distended abdomen, weight loss, dull coat, reduced activity
Labs are prone to intestinal parasites. Your dog should undergo regular deworming.
A troublesome parasite with potentially fatal consequences is the heartworm. Transmitted via mosquito which has obtained the worms from another infected animal, the dog may present with persistent dry cough, lethargy, bulging ribs, weight loss, and difficulty of breathing. If left untreated, it may lead to lung disease, heart failure, and massive organ damage.
To prevent your dog’s acquiring this disease, have it vaccinated against heartworms.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)
Symptoms: Dry heaving, restlessness, bloated belly, dog is in “prayer position”, wherein the forelegs are extended forward and its butt is raised up.
Bloat occurs often in dogs with deep, narrow chests, a characteristic which Labradors unfortunately possess. When bloat develops, the stomach twists around on itself and fills up with gas. This torsion causes the blood supply to be cut off to the stomach and spleen. If surgery is not performed immediately, death can result in 30 minutes.
Exercise-Induced Collapse
Symptoms: A healthy Lap suddenly collapses to the ground while exercising. It will lie there, very weak, for a few minutes before standing up again.
An inherited disorder, EIC in a Lab can be detected through genetic testing. Dogs with EIC should not be allowed to do vigorous activities like running or long-distance hiking or exercise in hot weather.
Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, and Other Orthopedic Diseases
Symptoms: May start out asymptomatic. Stiffness in walking or standing, lameness, or severe pain
Hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions may result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For the right treatment, the dog needs to be assessed by a vet. In the case of arthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may be given to slow down the progression of the disease.
Cancer
Symptoms: Lumps in the neck, shoulders, belly, flanks, and legs, weight loss, labored breathing, and other unusual symptoms
If you find lumps or other unusual signs and symptoms in your Lab, you need to consult with your vet. Lymphoma, which is common in Labs, can be detected through a complete blood count twice a year. The treatment of cancer in Labs can be very costly due to the chemotherapy.
In conclusion, if your Lab presents with troubling signs and symptoms, bring them immediately to your vet so that proper treatment can be initiated.
