Health

Health Sub Committee

The sub committee was formed in 2005. Dr Jeff Sampson of the Kennel Club suggested that there should be a small group of Labrador enthusiasts who would meet with him at least annually. Health topics of interest to the Labrador breed could be discussed and it would be channel between the KC and labrador breeders to improve the health of the breed. This model has been proven to work in the Golden Retriever & Irish Setter breeds. Dr Sampson would be able to convey up to date information particularly on inherited diseases and members of the sub committee would be able to raise issues for discussion. Dr Sampson would act as an intermediary between the KC and breeders. As can be seen from the minutes many issues have been discussed and the KC have certainly acted on suggestions made by the sub committee especially in relation to the Accredited Breeder Scheme.

Current sub committee members and the Clubs they represent can be found in the table below.

* indicates member is also a Kennel Club Breed Health Co-ordinator (BHC)

Health Tests

The Health Sub Committee have compiled a table of all heath tests for inherited diseases currently available for Labradors.

Results for tests where submitted can be found on the Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder.

The document can be read online or downloaded below (click the three dots […] to download or print the documents or please use the expand button below the document to show the image in full screen).

Testing

How and where to get DNA tests done:
DNA tests are done on blood or buccal swab, the dog must be identified by microchip or tattoo and the identity of dog should be independently verified by a vet. Each laboratory will specify amount of blood and type of tube required so check this before going to the vet to take blood.

Guidance on taking swabs

The Labrador Breed Council, have a good working releationship with Paw Print Genetics (Neogen®) and as such they have renewed the discount that they offer the breed.

The price for one single test is $55, and we discount the price of our tests with each additional test ordered for the same dog. 

Codes can be used on any Paw Print Genetics order, exclusions apply.

CODE – UKBCLR23

Details – Save 30% off any order including diseases, coat colors & traits. Code does not apply towards DNA profiling, parentage, clear by parentage, or collie DMS testing.

Valid – May 31^st, 2024

For any orders needing panels please have those order separate from individual disease testing. this will guarantee that you get the correct discounted price.

CODE – UKPANEL

Details – Save 35% off any animal with the UK Breed Council panel added to the cart. Code does not apply towards DNA profiling, parentage, clear by parentage, or collie DMS testing.

Valid – May 31^st, 2024

For the Breed Council panel, the new panel price is $271.00. With your discount applied that would bring it to $176.15 at 35%.

Laboratories

The Kennel Club Breed Health Plan

A comprehensive Breed Health and Conservation Plan & Labrador Action Plan were created in 2020. Both documents can be read online or downloaded below (click the three dots […] to download or print the documents or please use the expand button below the document to show the image in full screen).

Labrador Action Plan

Breed Health and Conservation Plan

Health Issues

The following conditions are identified as affecting the Labrador Retriever. Results for tests where submitted can be found on the Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder.

EIC – Exercise Induced Collapse

A syndrome of exercise intolerance and collapse (EIC) has been found in young adult Labrador Retrievers. A comprehensive study is underway to evaluate affected dogs and to try to establish an efficient means of diagnosis as well as to gain some insight into the cause of the collapse.
The gene has been identified and a DNA test is available . Inheritance is autosomal recessive – the abormal gene must be carried by both parents before an affected puppy is produced carrying two copies of the gene.

Affected dogs have been found in both show and field trial lines in many countries The symptoms can vary considerably from no sign of colapse in a diagnosis which has been DNA confirmed to severe intolerance of exercise. Commonly, affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate exercise, however 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous exercise can induce weakness followed by collapse. The first sign is usually a rocking or forced gait followed by weakness in the rear limbs and the inability to support weight. In some cases, this progresses to forelimb weakness and occasionally to a total inability to move. Some dogs appear to be uncoordinated and lose their balance. While most dogs remain totally conscious and alert, others may appear stunned or disoriented during the episode.

KC information and Results

PRA prcd

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disease in which there is progressive rod cone degeneration which results first in loss of vision in poor light, then to total blindness. The speed of vision loss is very variable with some affected dogs retaining reasonable vision in good light for several years. Age at onset is  around 3-5 years. Inheritance is autosomal recessive – both parents must carry the abnormal gene. The gene has been identified and a DNA test is available.

The Health sub committee strongly recommends that at least one parent in any mating must be tested clear. Thus no affected puppies will be produced. The Committee have proposed this to the Kennel Club requesting that they do not register puppies from a mating without a clear parent.

KC information and Results

If a DNA test is available – Breeding recommendation

If breeding from a carrier (or affected dog or bitch) they should always be mated to a DNA tested clear dog or bitch (no puppies bred will be affected by the disease but puppies may carry the mutant gene) and the puppies registration documents should be endorsed at the time of KC registration “progeny not eligible for registration” by the breeder so that genetic advice is used prior to any future breeding being carried out.

Hip Dysplasia

The Labrador retriever does have substantial levels of hip displasia but the prevalence is not known.. It is due to the faulty fitting of femoral head and acetabulum. – hip joint. Erosions and osteoarthritic changes occur with increasing age . Severe hip dysplasia causes gait problems and exercise intolerance. Commonly first signs of lameness and ‘bunny hopping’ show at 7-9 months of age. Xray is the only way of making a definite diagnosis- see plates below.
Studies of Hip scores and Pedigrees have shown that HD is partly inherited with the sire having a stronger influence than the dam. Several genes have been identified each implicated in different aspects of the malformation but as yet no DNA test is available.
Exercise, body weight and diet are probably also factors in the disease process,

Currently the only way to reduce the incidence of Hip Dysplasia s to Xray all dogs before they are bred from and submit plates to the KC/ BVA scoring scheme.- details in link below. Maximum score for each hip is 53 and maximum Total score = 106.

The lower the score the better. The average total score for the breed is 15

Examples of perfect normal hips and severe dysplastic hips

Normal Hips Total score 0

Severe Hip Dysplasia – Total score 93

BVA Website – Hips

BVA Leaflet Download

KC Information and Results

OCD – Osteochondritis Dissecans

Most commonly seen as Elbow Dysplasia but also occurs in Hock and Shoulder Joints.  OCD is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. It almost always shows up during the growth phase — between six to nine months of age. It may start as an intermittent limp in one leg. Many young dogs with OCD run and play as though nothing is wrong but when they slow down they realize the limb hurts and the limp returns. Contributing factors to OCD include physical impacts, such as jumping off high places, and being overweight. There is thought to be a genetic component but as yet this has, as yet, not been proven. However it has been observed that dogs with abnormal elbow scores tend to produce more affected progeny – thus testing all breeding animals is recommended. Diagnosis is by Xray taking three different views. There is a screening program for Elbows run by KC/ BVA. – plates are submitted for scoring 0 being clear, 1 mild, 2 moderate, 3 severe

BVA Website – Elbows

BVA Leaflet Download

KC information and Results

EBV Scores

The Health Committee strongly recommend using Estimated Breeding Values EBV published by the KC for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia.

KC Information and Results

CNM

Centronuclear Myopathy

CNM is a disease where the muscles of the Labrador do not develop properly. Affected pups have missing tendon reflexes as well as less weight gain than others by four weeks of age.

The more obvious symptoms of CNM appear when a pup is between twelve and twenty weeks of age. The pup will begin to stumble and fall when trying to walk. There are difficulties in swallowing since the muscles in the esophagus are affected. Food can then gets into lungs causing pneumonia. The symptoms are typically worse in cold weather. The symptoms remain for the entire life of the dog.

So far, there is no cure for the disease.  Medications do not improve the condition since there are missing muscle fibers that will never appear.

This disease has been found in UK Labradors, the majority being in working lines.

KC Information and Results

EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are the result of muscle responses to an abnormal nerve-signal burst from the brain.
Primary or Idiopathic Epilepsy, where fits occur with no known cause, is possibly inherited.

Most dogs with Epilepsy suffer their first seizure between the ages of one and five years. A genetic basis for Idiopathic Epilepsy is strongly suspected in several breeds including the Labrador Retriever.

It is strongly recommended by the LBC Health Committee that dogs suffering from Epilepsy are not bred from

Dwarfism

More information on Dwarfism

Research

Various research exists for health issues affecting the Labrador Retriever.

Dogs Life Project

Study by Roslin Institute and Royal Dick Veterinary School, Edinburgh of Labrador Puppies born 2010-12 and followed into adulthood.

To identify the most common diseases in labradors and attempt to estimate incidence and prevalence.

Minutes of meeting to present project

Dogslife Website