SOUTHERN GOLDEN RETRIEVER SOCIETY

 HEALTH

 

INTRODUCTION

The Golden Retriever is a relatively robust and healthy dog, however there are some conditions which you will need to be aware of.  These include hip dyspasia, elbow dysplasia and a number of eye diseases.  Further details of these can be found in “Health Schemes” below.  Please bear in mind despite best efforts to limit hereditary conditions by testing breeding stock, there is no guarantee puppies are always going to be free from hereditary diseases.  It is also important to recognise that temperament, conformation, working ability; as well as health; are all factors in producing an animal sound in mind and body.

 

HEALTH SCHEMES

The following are recommended health schemes for breeders:

 

KC/BVA Hip Dysplasia Scheme                                                           KC/BVA Elbow Dysplasia Scheme    

KC/BVA/ISDS or ECVO and AHT Eye schemes

 

KC – Kennel Club   BVA – British Veterinary Association   ISDS – International Sheepdog Society   AHT – Animal Health Trust   ECVO – European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

 

For further information on Health Schemes please click here

 

Please note from 1 January 2010 all breeding stock must be identified by either microchip or tattoo before taking part in any health schemes. 

 

HEALTH REPRESENTATIVE NEWS

The inaugural meeting of Breed Club/Society health representatives was held with our Health Coordinator, Margaret Woods on the 18th January 2010.  For further details of these meetings please click here.

 

Click here for updates for Health News. 

 

ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST RESEARCH   

The Animal Health Trust is conducting research to try and locate the mutations that produce Hereditary Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia.  It is anticipated that DNA tests for these conditions will be available in the near future. 

 

In addition, cancer research into Mast Cell Tumours, melanomas and soft-tissue sarcomas is being undertaken in our breed.  It is hoped by establishing the genetic mechanisms of these cancers clinicians will be able to determine which therapies will be the most effective for affected animals, as well as identifying which animals will be at greater risk in developing particular cancers.  For more information please see:  

 

For Animal Health Updates Click Here

 

And please browse oncology research on the Animal Health web page at: http://www.aht.org.uk/science_oncology.html

    

BLOAT

In December 2009 one of our committee member tragically lost her dog to bloat.  The following link explains what to look for and how quickly this devastating condition can kill.  Please read BOTH sections of the article.

 

Bloat the Killer click Here and Bloat Some Facts Click Here

 

FURTHER LINKS: 

KC Dog Genetic Health -  http://www.doggenetichealth.org/

Fit for Function, Fit for Life  http://www.fitforfunction.org.uk/

Bateson Dog Breeding Inquiry - http://dogbreedinginquiry.com/

KC Health Survey  on Golden Retrievers - http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1563/hsgoldenretriever.pdf