Golden Retrievers, anyone?

Question

My Golden Retriever has hip problems and gets siezures from time to time. I'm just wondering if this is normal for most Golden Retirevers, or even big dogs in general. I've been told that it was but I have also been told the contrary. So, just wondering. Oh, and if you thought this was a good question that related to your dog, please star it. This is my first question and I'm trying to get some points for Level 2.

Answer 1

if you go to a reputable breeder for your golden retriever your chances of getting a pup with hip dysplasia and seizures is DRAMATICALLY REDUCED!! so this is not normal for properly bred goldens, however this is quite normal for goldens bred by puppymills, and backyard breeders who breed their dogs because "he is so sweet" it is a shame... i am very sorry about your dog

Answer 2

I am very proud to say none of my Goldens ever had hip problems. I had them properly screened each one for any hip problems.
I'm very sorry your breeder did not do this for your dogs parents. It is a problem that most of us Goldens breeders have been dealing with for some time. Those of us who are very responsible and have all our breeding dogs checked and certified are the only ones who anyone should get a pup from.
No it is not normal for a good Golden to have hip problems nor is it normal for one to have siezurers either.
I'm affraid you have a Golden that was poorly bred.

Answer 3

Responsible breeders work VERY hard to breed defects OUT of their lines, through health clearances, genetic testing and careful selection . Yet backyard breeders and puppymillers continue to corrupt the breed by propagating defects. That's why people actually believe those health issues are "normal". For instance, epilepsy is said to be common in beagles, but the truth is it hasn't exhibited in show beagles lines for decades, just in backyard bred dogs.


Here are some suggested questions one can use to determine if a breeder is truly responsible:

1. Is she an AKC registered breeder of good standing and an active member of her breed Parent Club?

2. Are there AKC Champions listed on the pedigree, showing that the breeder spends her time & money to prove the quality of her breeding stock through competition?

3. Are all the animals kept in clean, comfortable, healthy, loving circumstances?

4. Did the breeder conduct extensive interviews with you and every member of your family?

5. Have the sire & dam received all available health clearances, (eg. OFA Hip & Eye, Thyroid)

6. Is she willing to honestly discuss any possible genetic defects that may exist in her line?

7. Does she have a Sales Contract?

8. Does the contract contain a clause stipulating that you spay or neuter the puppy before it reaches a certain
age?

9. Does the contract contain a clause stating that if at any time in the puppy's life, you can no longer care for it, it must be returned to the breeder? (This ensures that no animal bred by this breeder will ever end up in a shelter).

10. Will the breeder maintain contact with you for the life of the puppy to answer questions and help in general?

Answer 4

I don't know about the seizures but i do know that hip problems are very common in big dogs. But with the amount of inbreeding that goes on with any of the purebred breeders now and has been going on for so long that the seizures may be common now. Either way i would have a vet take a look at him for them.

Answer 5

Not normal, but Yes it is genetics,its a condition of poor breeding tactics. Always buy dogs from reputable breeders who have their dogs tested for genetic conditions. And get a health guarantee guarding against these abnormalities.

Answer 6

Try giving him Glucosomine. That shouold help him with his hips. And take him to a vet for the seizure problems.

Answer 7

it is comen in most big dogs aand u can give him a half of a motrin to help him