Golden Retriever Health Issues

The average Golden Retriever lifespan is 10-12 years, and they're typically healthy dogs. However, due to poor breeding, some Golden Retrievers may develop a handful of health issues.

You can gain more insight into your Golden's health by screening them for over 230 genetic health risks with a dog DNA test.

Make sure to do your research when looking to adopt a Golden Retriever or find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder so medical issues are less likely in your puppy.

Hot Spots

Hot spots on dogs are localized areas of skin that are inflamed and infected, most often with bacteria and/or yeast. Hot spots develop more often in dogs that excessively scratch, chew, and lick—behaviors associated with underlying allergies.

In allergic dogs, the healthy skin barrier is compromised, so as the normal microbes on the skin multiply abnormally, the skin becomes inflamed and infected. A hot spot usually develops quickly and can lead to hair loss, redness, and moist raw skin that may ooze, crust, or develop thick scabs.

If you notice any signs of hot spots in your Golden, take them to a veterinarian. Hot spots typically resolve quickly with medication to treat the infection and, most importantly, with management of the underlying cause.

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)

Atopic dermatitis (atopy) is an inflammatory and itchy skin and ear condition Golden Retrievers are predisposed to. It's triggered by environmental allergens, such pollen, grass, dust mites, dander, and mold.

Symptoms usually develop between 2-6 years of age, so regular veterinary visits are important to monitor your dog's skin health.

Golden Retrievers with atopy are often scratching, chewing, or licking themselves. This can lead to hair loss, thickened skin, ear infections, or a rash on your dog.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that happens when the thyroid gland loses its ability to produce thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight gain
• Decreased energy level
• Recurring ear and skin infections
• Thinning fur
• Dry, scaly skin

Golden Retrievers are predisposed to hypothyroidism and typically develop symptoms when they are middle-aged. This condition can be managed with lifelong medication.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition where the hip joint is deformed, due to the ball (head of the thighbone) and socket (in the pelvis) not properly aligning. This can occur in one or both hip joints, causing pain and arthritis.

Symptoms include:

• Lameness
• Slowness to rise from a lying position
• "Bunny-hopping" gait when running
• Reluctance to run, jump, or go up or down stairs
• Holding the affected leg out to the side when sitting up

Reputable Golden Retriever breeders make sure their dogs are screened for this genetic condition, so it's best to purchase a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder that has had their dogs certified with a PennHIP evaluation.

Hip dysplasia can be managed with weight management, diet changes, exercise, joint supplements, and certain medications. But in serious cases, surgery may be needed.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia encompasses several different inherited orthopedic conditions that ultimately lead to degenerative joint disease (DJD) within the elbow. X-rays or CT scans are used to diagnose elbow dysplasia, and the condition is treated with a joint injection performed by specialist (Synovetin OA®), surgery, joint supplements, and/or anti-inflammatory and pain medications.

Eye Conditions

Golden Retrievers are prone to certain eye conditions, including:

• Pigmentary uveitis: An inherited eye condition where brown or black cysts develop on the eye. They are usually benign and develop when a Golden is at least 5 years old. Treatment usually includes eye or oral medications. Over time, pigmentary uveitis can cause cataracts and glaucoma.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A disease where the eye's retina slowly degenerates, leading to blindness in dogs. There is no cure for PRA, but blind Golden Retrievers can still live long, happy lives with proper care.

Cancers

Goldens can develop a few types of canine cancer as well. Some common cancers include:

• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that originates in the lymph nodes and typically spreads to other organs. Lymph nodes that commonly enlarge with lymphoma are on the neck, behind the knee, and inside the thigh. There is a relatively high prevalence of this condition within the Golden Retriever breed.
• Hemangiosarcoma (HSA): An aggressive form of cancer that most often originates in the spleen, liver, or heart in Golden Retrievers. This type of cancer forms a blood-filled tumor that can rupture at any time and cause a dog to bleed internally. A ruptured tumor can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Heart Problems

Subaortic valvular stenosis (SAS) is a genetic heart condition that Golden Retriever puppies inherit from their parents. Responsible breeding is key to ensuring prevention of this condition.

SAS occurs when fibrous tissue slowly forms in the heart and causes an obstruction of blood flow. Over time, this condition causes the heart to stop functioning properly, resulting in heart damage.

Golden Retriever puppies and dogs with SAS often have a heart murmur that can be heard by your veterinarian during a routine physical exam. Dogs with mild to moderate SAS may not show any symptoms. However, Goldens with severe SAS are lethargic, tired after short periods of exercise, may collapse, and can die suddenly.

Summary

• Golden Retrievers have a 10-12 year lifespan and are generally healthy, but poor breeding practices can lead to various genetic health issues, making it essential to research reputable breeders thoroughly.
• Skin conditions including hot spots and atopic dermatitis are common in Golden Retrievers, often triggered by environmental allergens and excessive scratching, requiring veterinary management of underlying causes.
• Golden Retrievers are predisposed to hypothyroidism and joint problems including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be managed with weight control, supplements, and medications, though severe cases may require surgery.
• Eye conditions like pigmentary uveitis and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) affect Golden Retrievers, potentially leading to cataracts, glaucoma, and blindness, though blind dogs can still live quality lives.
• Golden Retrievers face higher cancer risks including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma (aggressive spleen/liver/heart tumors), plus genetic heart conditions like subaortic valvular stenosis (SAS) that responsible breeding helps prevent.