Golden retrievers are generally healthy dogs, with strong and sound constitutions. They are extremely popular as family pets. However, there are some medical problems of Golden retrievers that all Golden owners should know.
These are inherited by the golden retriever in its genes and are quite common. So, if you’re planning to get yourself a golden retriever puppy, be sure to get a well-bred puppy from a reputed breeder.
The truth is, that poor breeding of the golden retriever has tarnished its reputation without any fault of the breed. Here are some commonly found medical problems of Golden retrievers.
Hip Dyslapsia
In Golden retrievers this is a common problem, which occurs because of a malformed joint. It causes the better part of the femur to not be properly aligned with the cup of the hip socket. This is one of the medical problems of Golden retrievers, which can range from mild to relatively severe.
It is not something to worry about, and with proper diet and exercise your dog will be able to lead a completely normal and active life. In extremely rare circumstances, surgical correction or euthanasia are required as a last resort.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD is a bone formation disorder, which takes place due to a defect in the transition of cartilage into bone, while the dog is growing up. Research has shown this condition to be genetic and it appears more commonly in some lines of Golden retrievers than others. Environmental factors can also contribute to aggravating this problem.
Panosteitis
This medical problem of Golden retrievers affects them in their early age when they are 5 to 14 months old. Also referred to as wandering lameness, it causes sudden lameness in dogs.
Epilepsy
This too is a hereditary disorder, which causes seizures. There is no cure, but it can be controlled with medication. This medical problem of Golden retrievers allows them to lead a very normal life. But they should not be placed in very stressful situations, and most certainly should not be bred if they have epilepsy.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
(PRA), and central (PRA) are among the most common retina based problems found in Golden retrievers. Symptoms begin to manifest in dogs around the age of two and degenerative in nature. Sadly, this condition is also hereditary. So it is wise to make sure that both parents do not have this problem before you consider picking up a pup born to them.
Ear care
It’s a good idea to continuously clean your dogs ears, as they are likely to pick up a lot of dust and dirt when they are out. This way they would not pick up any ear infections.
Juvenile cataracts
This particular medical problem of Golden retrievers is also hereditary and is also a fact you should look out for when looking to purchase a golden retriever pup.
Seborrhea
Primary sebhorrea is a medical problem of Golden retrievers, which gives them yellowish brownish scales, a greasy coat, and an irritable itchy skin with a foul smell. You can take your dog to your vet to get this problem treated, as it is not too serious.
Just buy a golden retriever from a reputed breeder and do some checks on the pups mother and father and you will be fine! If your golden retriever develops a disease at an older age, do not worry. Just take it to the Vet. Lastly, keep your golden clean and take good care of it!
Archive for the ‘Medical Problems’ Category
Medical Problems Of Golden Retrievers
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010Cranberry Juice – Administering Oral Prescription To Get Rid Of Medical Problems
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010Almost every health-conscious human soul surviving on this Blue Planet is now turning to cranberry juice for extracting the maximum nutritive value from it. Containing Vitamin C in small fraction, this fruit also contains other important nutrients (such as manganese) that are advantageous to human body.Interestingly the demand for cranberry juice has over consumed its utility as fruit. Now only 5 percent of the total produced cranberries are sold as fruit in market, while remaining percentage is harvested and instantaneously processed into various other health-benefiting products such as cranberry sauce. It is even used in extreme dry version, in the forms of dried cranberries apart from the much-popular juice.The juice apparently is known for possessing chemical properties that prevent the growth of different types of cancers in the body. The juice also works well in improving anti-clotting properties of the human body. But that is not the end of it. There is more to it.The cranberry juice can really work as a potent medical alternative for treating problems like urinary tract infections which are quite common these days among people. However the juice is chiefly known for its excellent ability to terminate the growth of dental plaques bacteria in the tooth cavity. The tooth decay thus prevented becomes possible only if a person consumes the juice on regular basis as this in turn prevents the formation of Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria which are responsible for the decay.That’s not all; the juice has even emerged as a solid answer to the problem of kidney stones. Tooth decay, Kidney stones, and urinary tract infections are a few problems that almost every second person, especially those who are living in the metropolitan areas of the country, are seen detected with these days. In many cases, situation only worsens because of the fact that both sides, patient as well as doctor, fail to diagnose the intensity of problem. Thus in process they (doctors) either suggest an overstated prescription or an understated one, both of them, in any case are not good enough to cure the problem. What follows next is the long list of bills and other expenses to be paid, which in any case can never be good for anyone. Hence it would be advisable to people if they really go for cranberry juice to seek a perfect answer to all medical problems mentioned above.The powerful compounds contained in cranberry juice are the perfect ways of redeeming faith in people who have been living life on a disappointing note due to urinary tract infections, kidney stones and tooth decay problems.
?Male Breast Reduction? are a Medical Problem for Many Men
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from some degree of gynecomastia, also known as male breast overdevelopment. Gynecomastia, the medical term for “man boobs,” is a medical condition that may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs and medical problems have been linked to the condition, there is no known medical cause for the overdevelopment of the male breast tissue in most cases. Gynecomastia is not a serious or life threatening medical condition, but it can be very embarrassing for some men and cause self esteem issues.
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, plastic surgeon at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, specializes in gynecomastia surgery. Also known as male breast reduction surgery, gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess breast gland tissue and fat from the male chest area.
Who are the Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy men of any age. The best candidates for gynecomastia surgery have firm, elastic skin that will easily reshape to the body’s new contours.
The Procedure for Gynecomastia Correction Surgery
If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, (this is the most common), Dr. Rajagopal will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola (the dark skin that surrounds the nipple). Alternatively, the incision may be placed in the underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula, which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision. Dr. Rajagopal moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin to break up the fat and suction it out. Patients are under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure and will feel and hear nothing.
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, this tissue can be removed with a scalpel (also referred to as excision). The excision of the glandular tissue may be performed alone or in conjunction with Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL), depending on each patient’s case. In a typical gynecomastia procedure, an incision is made, usually in the breast crease and under the areola. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more noticeable scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.
In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller chest contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly adjust to the new contour of the chest. Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.
After the Gynecomastia Procedure
Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Rajagopal. In any case, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day, if needed. You’ll be swollen and bruised for a while after the surgery. It is not uncommon for men to not notice an improvement shortly after surgery due to swelling.
To help reduce swelling after gynecomastia, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for four to six weeks. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of the surgery are apparent. In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal.
You’ll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of your gynecomastia surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the gynecomastia procedure. Dr.. Rajagopal may advise you to avoid sexual activity and heavy exercise for about three weeks. You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks.
In general, it will take about a month before you’re back to all of your normal activities. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to darken. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use sun-block with a high SPF.