LABRADORS AND HEALTH

The Health of our Labradors is of utmost importance to all involved no matter what their preferred discipline.

Health testing helps maintain the breed standard and encourages responsible breeding practice.

To make it easier for our members to secure the essential tests required we run several health clinics and offer them at favourably discounted costs for our members only.

Our Club Breed Health representative is Kira Leith-Ross. If you have anything you’d like to discuss and raise in complete confidentiality, Kira is available. She can help direct you to where to find help with a problem or if you want to open consultation or research with something breeders or owners encounter. Her email is training@threeridingslc.com

Summary of Health Testing Recommendations for Breeders

General Health Testing

Breeders should conduct hip and elbow x-rays, annual eye tests, an DNA tests for all breeding dogs. Although not mandated by the U.K. Kennel Club, these tests help identify and manage potential genetic issues. Results should guide breeding decisions to ensure healthy puppies, pairing carriers or affected dogs with clear ones. Tests should be conducted at reputable laboratories, preferably those that developed the test. Our Labrador Breed Health Council has negotiated an excellent bundle price with a reliable laboratory : Neogen Pawprint Genetics.

Hip Dysplasia

Scoring: BVA (0-53 per side), ANKC (similar to BVA), FCI (grades A to E).
Only dogs with a maximum total score of 14 (BVA) should be bred.
Hip dysplasia is influenced by genetics, diet, weight, and exercise.

Elbow Dysplasia

Scoring: 0-3 (highest score determines the overall result).
Only dogs with a score of 0 should be bred (BVA and UK Kennel Club).
Scores of both parents don’t guarantee but improve chances of healthy elbows.

Eye Tests

Labradors are prone to various retinal and cataract issues.
Annual eye exams are recommended.
There are clinics ran by various clubs across the country.

Specific Genetic Conditions

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Causes retinal degeneration and eventual blindness. No cure available.
CentroNuclear Myopathy (CNM): Symptoms appear from 2 weeks of age, leading to muscle weakness and respiratory complications.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC): Causes muscle weakness and collapse after exercise. Dogs usually recover quickly from episode.
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK): Causes nasal crusts and fissures - sometimes also in the paws. Manageable with topical treatments.
Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD): Leads to corneal cloudiness and vision impairment.
Skeletal Dysplasia 2 (SD2): Causes disproportionate dwarfism.
Stargardt Disease: Progressive eye condition causing light sensitivity and vision loss, but not complete blindness.

By adhering to these guidelines, breeders can contribute to the overall health and well-being of their dogs and of future generations.