Mary Allen
If you are buying a puppy, be sure to find a reputable breeder who can show you health certificates for both of the puppy’s parents. Health certificates prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a specific disease.
For Labradors, you should expect to be able to view health certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a rating between fair and better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Willebrand-Juergens Syndrome; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF)” certificates that the eyes are normal.
#1 Epilepsy
Labradors can suffer from epilepsy, which results in mild, or severe, seizures. Seizures can be signaled by abnormal behavior, such as frantically running as if the dog is being chased. The long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is usually very good. It is important to know that seizures can also be triggered by other things like idiopathic epilepsy, such as metabolic disorders, infectious diseases affecting the brain, tumors, poisoning, serious head injuries, and others. So if your Lab is having seizures, it's important to get him to the vet for a check-up immediately.
#2 Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TKD)
TKD is a congenital heart defect that is becoming increasingly common in the Labrador breed. Puppies are born with TKD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live asymptomatic, and others die from it. TKD is diagnosed by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to find out how prevalent the disease is in the breed and to explore treatment options.
#3 Myopathy
Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs appear in puppies between the sixth week of life and the seventh month of life. A puppy with myopathy will be tired and awkward to walk and run. After great exertion, he may collapse. Over time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There are no treatments, but warmth and rest seem to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be used for breeding as this is an inherited condition.