Labrador Retrievers are large, substantially-built hardy animals.  Their personality and adaptibility have made this breed a very popular family member.  This popularity, however, has come at a very hefty price to the Labrador as a breed. Puppy mills and back-yard breeders have found this breed attractive to their business of "meeting the public demand." Due to the neglectful breeding practices of these types of facilities, a number of genetic faults have been profilerated within the Labrador gene pool.
        A well-bred, healthy, sound Labrador Retriever puppy is a thing of beauty and a joy to share one's life with. Before purchasing a Labrador pup be sure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder. Quality can only come from quality.
        Amoung the medical problems of Labrador Retrievers are:

Hip Dysplasia
        Hip dysplasia can be a problem for all dogs, purebred and mixed breeds alike.  It will continue to be a problem for a long time to come, so knowing as much as possible about it would be a wise course of action.  When the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals first began the scanning xrays to "certify " that the dog was free from dysplastic problems, this was done when the animal was twelve months of age.  As time and research passed and was reviewed, it was discovered that changes took place within the joint after 12 months of age.  So certification was granted to normals at twenty-four months of age. Common sense would dictate that you cannot assume that every certified dog will be normal for the rest of its life.  Much depends on heredity, environment, diet and well being of the animal.
For more information, please refer to the Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia.
 

Cataracts
     Cataracts in dogs can be identified as opaque spots on the lens of the eye.  These spots may cause total or partial loss of vision.  Some cataracts are hereditary, while others are not.  In some cases surgery may help the dog recover.
For more information please see : Medical Index/Cataracts.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
        Osteochondrosis Dissecans is a disorder of bone formation resulting from a defect in the transition of cartilage into bone during the growth process.  This condition appears to be genetic in nature, being far more common in some bloodlines than others.  Similarly to hip dysplasia, environmental factors can be contributory.
For further information regarding this medical condition please see: Medical Index/Osteochondrosis Dissecans.
 

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
        Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a heart condition, which appears to occur more often in Labrador Retrievers than in the general canine population. This condition also appears more often in some "bloodlines" than in others. Therefore it is suspected of being hereditary. Be sure that any breeder you are dealing with has health screenings on the parents, as well as the litter of puppies.
For further information regarding this condition please see: Medical Index/Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia.