ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIAN BEFORE TREATING YOUR DOG
Labrador Retrievers can develop congenital problems involving the eyes. The best protection you can get is to buy a puppy from a breeder who has the eyes of their dogs checked yearly by a veterinarian ophthamologist. Only a board certified ophthamologist can submit the forms for CERF Certification. Dogs that have not passed this certification can be passing on the genes that contribute to these problems. A responsible breeder will remove these dogs from their breeding programs. Passing the certification does not guarantee a genetic problem will not develop but it will greatly reduce the chances of a problem developing. Dogs must be CERF certified on a yearly basis.
Click on the CERF Home Page link below to learn more about the dog's eyes and to find a board certified ophthamologist near you. You can also contact kennel clubs in your area to find where the members go have their dog's eyes examined.
Labs, like many other large breeds of dogs, can develop congenital problems with their hips. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is an organization that acts as a clearinghouse for x-rays taken of dogs' hips. Any veterinarian can take the x-rays and submit them to OFA. The veterinarians at OFA will examine the x-rays and determine if the dog has sound hips or has some type of problem with the hips. If a dog passes the exam, OFA will mail a certificate to you as proof the dog has not developed a problem. OFA will not read x-rays of a dog before it is 24 months old. Once the dog passes the exam it does not have to be repeated.
Click on the OFA Home Page link below to learn more.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Home Page
Elbow x-rays are submitted to OFA for evaluation. Please refer to the OFA Home Page to learn more about this process.
There are some new DNA tests to help breeders eliminate carriers of PRA and other genetic diseases. Don't hesitate to ask the breeder if they are using the new tests in their breeding programs. Follow the links below to read about the tests