Labrador Retriever Health Issues: Weight Comes First

Weight and the appetite gene

A University of Cambridge study found that around one in four Labradors carries a variant of the POMC gene that disrupts the signals that switch off appetite. Each copy was linked to dogs being about 1.9 kg heavier on average, and carriers were more food-motivated.

That explains the begging, not a reason to give in. Measure food with a scale or cup, count training treats as part of the daily ration, use puzzle feeders, and ask your vet for a body condition score and target weight. Extra weight loads the hips and elbows that are already this breed’s weak point.

Hips and elbows

VCA Animal Hospitals names the Labrador among the breeds most affected by hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia is common too. Signs include stiffness after rest, a bunny-hopping gait and reluctance to jump into the car. Lean growth in puppies, a large-breed growth diet and steady, low-impact exercise all help, and your vet can assess the joints with X-rays.

Exercise-induced collapse

Exercise-induced collapse is an inherited condition in Labradors. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes limb weakness, wobbling and collapse 5 to 20 minutes after intense exercise, with signs often starting in young dogs and rapid recovery afterwards.

A DNA test confirms it. There is no treatment, so affected dogs avoid the intense, excited exercise that triggers episodes, such as repeated retrieving. Any collapse during exercise should end the session and be checked by a vet, who will also rule out heat stroke and heart problems.

Eyes, epilepsy and cancer

Progressive retinal atrophy, a painless inherited loss of vision that starts with poor night vision, is a condition VCA lists for Labradors, and DNA testing exists. Labs are also on VCA’s epilepsy list; a seizure that will not stop is an emergency.

Older Labs are among the breeds Cornell names as predisposed to hemangiosarcoma, a cancer that often bleeds suddenly from the spleen or heart, so collapse with pale gums needs emergency care. Labs are also prone to mast cell tumours, which can look like harmless bumps; every new lump deserves a needle sample.

The first vet visit after adoption

Ask for a body condition score with a written target weight, a gait and joint assessment, an eye check, a lump check and baseline bloodwork. Mention any collapse during play in the rescue’s notes. Bring the rescue’s records.

Price pet insurance the same week. Every Canadian provider excludes conditions documented before enrolment, and joint surgery and cancer care are the large costs insurance is for. Knee ligament injuries are also common in heavy, active Labs.