Hip & Elbow Dysplasia in the Golden Retriever
Tragically, one of the more common afflictions that a Golden Retriever may suffer from is hip or elbow dysplasia. A University of Columbia study found that as many as 30% had the condition. Dogs examined by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, www.offa.org), which has a screening service to certify the presence or absence of the condition, found hip dysplasia in 21% of adult dogs.
Even at the lower figure, the odds are high. Professional Golden Retriever organizations and breeders are taking steps to try to breed out the weakness, but that effort is a long-term solution. The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is between 10-13 years, so changing inherited characteristics will take a long time.
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