| Intelligent. Patient. Tolerant. Mild mannered. Loyal. | | | | Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A |
| With traits like these, is it any wonder the Labrador | | | | "luxating patella" is a common occurrence in the knee |
| Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the | | | | that results in the leg being "bow "shaped. This |
| world? Since 1991, the Labrador Retriever has been | | | | abnormality can cause abnormal wear and tear on |
| the most popular registered breed in the United | | | | the joint, resulting in the development of painful |
| States, as well. They are gentle, affable and intelligent | | | | osteoarthritis for some Labs. |
| and considered by many to be the perfect family | | | | The only way to decrease the prevalence of these |
| pet. They're also known for their working ability and | | | | disorders is through conscientious breeding practices. |
| are the most popular breed of working and guide | | | | However, even the most vigilant breeders cannot |
| dog in the United States, as well! | | | | eliminate these genetic disorders altogether. There's |
| With good medical care and proper feeding, you can | | | | no way of knowing whether an animal will develop a |
| expect your Lab to live upwards of 13 years. It is a | | | | joint disorder later in life. |
| healthy breed with relatively few major problems... | | | | Regular trips to the veterinarian can play an important |
| but, like other full-breed dogs, they are susceptible to | | | | role in early detection and early treatment of |
| certain inherited disorders, particularly those of the | | | | problems. Unfortunately, the most commonly |
| hip, elbow and knee. While not as common in Labs as | | | | prescribed treatment for animals suffering from |
| in other breeds, dysplasia is also a concern. | | | | genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia is non-steroidal |
| Labs are somewhat prone to dysplasia of the hip and | | | | anti-inflammatory drugs. As in humans, these |
| elbow, especially in larger dogs. Indeed, hip dysplasia | | | | medications provide temporary relief by decreasing |
| is the most common genetic problem affecting dogs | | | | inflammation, but not without a host of potential side |
| of all breeds. Canine hip dysplasia is a general term | | | | effects. |
| for the malformation of the hip joint that eventually | | | | There is an alternative, however. |
| leads to arthritis. This malformation occurs when the | | | | Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin - |
| two parts of the hip joint - the ball (femoral head at | | | | the natural building blocks of healthy cartilage - offers |
| the top of the upper leg bone) and socket (the | | | | relief from pain with long-term healing and little risk of |
| "dented" area of the pelvic structure) are misaligned | | | | side effects. Like NSAIDs, glucosamine and |
| or misshapen. Dogs suffering from dysplasia are not | | | | chondroitin decrease inflammation but they also give |
| as active as they could be due to significant pain. | | | | damaged joints the raw materials needed to build |
| Often, the only cure for dysplasia is costly surgery to | | | | new cartilage, resulting in true relief from pain. |
| replace the dysplastic hip joint. | | | | |