Labrador Retriever Health Issues: 5 Things to Watch For

Labradors are among America’s most cherished breeds and one of our favorites we care for here at Plantation Midtown. Known for their friendly demeanor and endless energy, Labs make fantastic companions. However, they are also susceptible to certain health conditions that every owner should know about. As your dedicated veterinary team, we treat your Lab like family and recommend regular screenings to catch and manage common breed-specific health concerns early. 

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

Labradors are susceptible to several joint problems, including elbow and hip dysplasia, conditions where the joints develop abnormally, leading to instability and gradual wear. They’re also prone to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, a common injury that can cause sudden pain and limping. These joint issues often progress to arthritis, a chronic condition that causes stiffness, discomfort, and limited mobility, particularly as your Lab gets older. Early screening, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to help your Lab stay active, comfortable, and enjoy a full, happy life. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Lab’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease. 
• Genetic testing – Since hip and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Lab is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention. 
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside. 
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, pain medications, and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage discomfort, and improve your Lab’s quality of life. 
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life. 

2. Skin Allergies and Ear Infections 

Labrador Retrievers’ lovable floppy ears and soft coats are part of their charm, but these features can also make them more susceptible to ear infections and skin issues. Their ears can trap moisture, dirt, and debris, creating a warm, humid environment that encourages the growth

of bacteria and yeast. Similarly, their skin may be sensitive and prone to irritation, hot spots, or allergic reactions, especially in warm or damp conditions. 

If your Lab is scratching their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing certain spots, or seems generally uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up. Signs like redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss indicate that something may be wrong. 

How we can help: 

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem. 
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Lab uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it. 
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us develop a personalized allergy treatment plan that may include immunotherapy. ● Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue. 
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections. 

3. Obesity 

Labradors have hearty appetites, which can easily cause weight gain, but carrying extra pounds can lead to serious health problems. Obesity places additional stress on their joints, exacerbating conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, and raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a reduced lifespan. 

While overeating and insufficient exercise are common causes, medical issues such as hormonal imbalances can also play a role. That’s why regular check-ups and monitoring your Lab’s weight are essential to keeping them healthy and active. 

How we can help: 

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your Lab’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention. 
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Lab is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your Lab to an ideal weight safely.
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Lab receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments. 

4. Heart Disease 

As Labradors get older, they can be at risk for heart conditions such as valvular disease and cardiomyopathy, which slowly impact how well their heart functions. Early signs might be subtle and could include coughing, fatigue, or difficulty breathing. Regular veterinary check-ups and early screening are crucial for catching these issues early and helping your Lab stay healthy. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We listen closely for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or breathing changes during your Lab’s check-up to determine if additional testing should be done. ● Diagnostic Imaging – Chest X-rays and ultrasound (echocardiogram) allow us to visualize the heart and lungs in detail. These tools are essential for diagnosing heart disease and determining whether long-term medication or ongoing monitoring is needed. ● Electrocardiogram (ECG) – We use this test to detect irregular heart rhythms and monitor electrical activity, which can guide treatment and prevent potentially fatal events. ● Ongoing management – If heart disease is diagnosed, we’ll create a tailored care plan with medication, diet changes, and regular monitoring to keep your Lab as healthy and active as possible. 

5. Cancer 

Labradors are beloved for their loyalty, energy, and affectionate nature. However, like many larger breeds, they are at an increased risk for certain cancers as they get older. Early warning signs can include lumps, unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, or unusual tiredness. Spotting these symptoms early can significantly improve treatment options and help maintain your Lab’s quality of life. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Exams – Regular nose-to-tail exams help us detect lumps, bumps, or abnormalities early. 
• Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays and ultrasounds can help us see what’s going on inside the body and guide further testing. 
• Cytology & Biopsy – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a larger sample to the lab for accurate diagnosis. 
• Bloodwork – Blood tests can help identify internal changes that may point to cancer or other underlying conditions.
• Treatment Planning – If cancer is diagnosed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s surgery, medication, or referral to a veterinary oncologist. 

We care for your Lab like they’re one of our own. Schedule an appointment today, and let’s work together to keep your loyal and lively companion happy, healthy, and thriving. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!