Common Labrador Health Problems and How to Avoid Them

Understanding the most common Labrador health problems before you bring a puppy home is one of the most useful things a prospective owner can do. Labs are generally a healthy, robust breed — but like all purebreds, they carry inherited predispositions to certain conditions that responsible breeding and attentive ownership can meaningfully reduce. The goal of this guide is not to alarm prospective owners but to give them an accurate picture of what to watch for, what to ask breeders, and what lifestyle choices protect their Lab’s health throughout a 10 to 14 year life.

Every puppy from Labrador Today comes from OFA health-tested parents — the most important foundation for avoiding the hereditary conditions covered in this guide.

Symptom to Condition Guide – What Could Be Causing It

Many owners search for a symptom rather than a condition name. This table maps common signs to the most likely causes:

Symptom You Notice	Most Likely Cause	Urgency
Limping — front leg	Elbow dysplasia, joint injury, paw injury	Veterinary assessment within 24 to 48 hours if persistent
Limping — back leg, stiffness after rest	Hip dysplasia, arthritis	Veterinary assessment — not an emergency unless sudden onset after injury
Head shaking, scratching at ear, ear odour	Ear infection	Veterinary assessment within a few days — sooner if severe
Sudden collapse during or after exercise	Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) — or GDV if accompanied by distended abdomen	Emergency if accompanied by bloated abdomen or distress. EIC-only — rest and reassess, vet same day
Distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness	Bloat — Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)	🚨 Emergency — go to emergency veterinarian immediately
Rapid, unexplained weight gain	Obesity, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease	Veterinary assessment at next available appointment
Night blindness, bumping into things in low light	Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Veterinary ophthalmology referral
Bad breath, yellow-brown tartar, reluctance to chew	Dental disease	Veterinary dental assessment — not an emergency but should not be delayed
New lump or mass anywhere on the body	Possible cancer — many lumps are benign but all new lumps warrant investigation	Veterinary assessment within a week — sooner if lump is growing rapidly
Persistent itching, licking paws, recurrent ear infections	Environmental or food allergy	Veterinary assessment — pattern of recurrence is the key signal
Excessive thirst and urination	Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease	Veterinary assessment within a few days — bloodwork required

Common Labrador Health Problems – Quick Reference

Condition	Prevalence	Hereditary?	Preventable?	Key Action
Hip dysplasia	High	Yes — partially	Partially — health testing reduces risk	OFA-tested parents, lean weight, appropriate puppy exercise
Elbow dysplasia	High	Yes — partially	Partially — health testing reduces risk	OFA-tested parents, lean weight, appropriate puppy exercise
Obesity	Very high	Partially — POMC gene	Yes — fully preventable with portion control	Measured meals, no free feeding, regular weight checks
Bloat — GDV	Moderate	Partially	Partially — management reduces risk	Two meals daily, no exercise around mealtimes
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)	Moderate	Yes — recessive gene	Yes — DNA test identifies carriers	DNA-tested parents, manage exercise intensity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Moderate	Yes — recessive gene	Yes — DNA test identifies carriers	DNA-tested parents, CAER eye certification
Cancer	High in older Labs	Partially	Partially — lifestyle reduces risk	Lean weight, annual screening, prompt investigation of lumps
Ear infections	Very high	No — structural	Yes — largely preventable with care	Weekly ear inspection, dry after swimming
Skin and coat conditions	Moderate	Partially	Partially	Diet quality, parasite prevention, regular grooming
Dental disease	Very high	No	Yes — largely preventable	Daily brushing, annual veterinary dental checks

When to Call a Vet Immediately – Lab Health Emergencies

Some symptoms require emergency veterinary care — do not wait for a regular appointment if you observe any of the following:

Emergency Sign	Most Likely Cause	Action
🚨 Distended or hard abdomen with unproductive retching and restlessness	Bloat — GDV	Emergency veterinarian immediately — this is fatal without surgery within hours
🚨 Sudden collapse, inability to stand, or loss of consciousness	GDV, cardiac event, severe EIC, poisoning	Emergency veterinarian immediately
🚨 Difficulty breathing — laboured, rapid, or shallow breathing at rest	Cardiac event, airway obstruction, pneumonia	Emergency veterinarian immediately
🚨 Seizure — convulsions, uncontrolled shaking, loss of consciousness	Epilepsy, poisoning, brain event	Emergency veterinarian — especially if first seizure or lasting more than 2 minutes
🚨 Suspected poisoning — chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, rat poison	Toxic ingestion	Emergency veterinarian or animal poison control immediately — do not wait for symptoms
🚨 Severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure within 5 minutes	Wound, internal injury	Emergency veterinarian immediately — apply pressure while travelling
🚨 Eye injury — trauma, chemical contact, sudden vision loss	Injury, chemical burn, acute eye disease	Emergency veterinarian — eye injuries deteriorate rapidly without treatment

Save your nearest emergency veterinary clinic’s number in your phone before you need it — in a genuine emergency, searching for the number costs critical time.

1. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is among the most common and most discussed health problems in Labrador Retrievers. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) consistently identifies Labs as one of the more commonly affected large breeds — OFA data shows that a meaningful proportion of Labs evaluated have some degree of hip abnormality.

Factor	Detail
What it is	Abnormal development of the hip joint — the ball and socket do not fit together correctly, causing wear, inflammation, pain, and progressive arthritis over time
Cause	Combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors including weight, exercise type during puppyhood, and diet. Neither genetics nor environment alone determines outcome — both contribute
Signs	Stiffness after rest, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, reduced activity, a swaying or bunny-hopping gait in the hindquarters, muscle loss over the hindquarters in advanced cases
When signs appear	Some Labs show signs during puppyhood — others do not show clinical signs until middle age or senior years when arthritis has accumulated. The absence of early signs does not confirm healthy hips
How to reduce risk	Choose a puppy from parents with OFA or PennHIP hip clearances — verifiable at ofa.org. Maintain lean body weight throughout life. Follow the 5-minute exercise rule during puppyhood. Avoid high-impact exercise on hard surfaces before skeletal maturity
Management when diagnosed	Weight management, appropriate low-impact exercise (swimming is ideal), anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, and in severe cases surgical intervention. Early diagnosis allows more management options

2. Elbow Dysplasia

Factor	Detail
What it is	A group of developmental conditions affecting the elbow joint — including fragmented coronoid process, osteochondrosis, and ununited anconeal process — that cause pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis
Prevalence	OFA data consistently identifies Labs as one of the most commonly affected breeds for elbow dysplasia — in some OFA evaluations, elbow abnormalities are found at higher rates than hip abnormalities in Labs
Signs	Front leg lameness — often appearing between 4 and 12 months of age in affected puppies. Reluctance to extend the front legs, stiffness after rest, swelling around the elbow joint
How to reduce risk	OFA elbow evaluation on both parent dogs before breeding. Lean body weight. Avoiding repetitive high-impact exercise during growth. Large-breed puppy food with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels during the growth phase
Management when diagnosed	Weight management, controlled exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgical intervention — earlier surgical treatment generally produces better outcomes

3. Obesity

Obesity is the most common and most preventable health problem in Labrador Retrievers — and one of the most significant reducers of lifespan. A 2016 study published in Cell Metabolism identified a genetic mutation in the POMC gene in approximately 23% of Labs that impairs the normal feeling of fullness after eating — meaning nearly one in four Labs may be biologically predisposed to persistent food-seeking behaviour regardless of how much they have consumed.

Factor	Detail
Prevalence	Extremely high — Labs are consistently identified as one of the most obesity-prone breeds in veterinary research. Studies suggest up to 59% of dogs seen in veterinary practices are overweight or obese
Consequences	Accelerated joint deterioration, increased cancer risk, cardiovascular stress, reduced exercise tolerance, shortened lifespan. Research suggests lean Labs live approximately 1.8 years longer than overweight counterparts
Signs of healthy weight	Ribs easily felt with light pressure but not visibly prominent. Clear waist visible from above. Slight abdominal tuck visible from the side. A Lab at healthy weight often looks thinner than owners expect
Prevention	Measured meals at scheduled times — never free-feed. Treats no more than 10% of daily caloric intake. Reduce portions after spaying or neutering. Regular weight checks at veterinary visits. Use a slow feeder bowl
Management when overweight	Reduce daily caloric intake by 10 to 20% and reassess body condition every 2 to 3 weeks. For significantly overweight Labs, a structured veterinary weight loss plan is more effective than simple portion reduction

For a full guide on Lab feeding and portion management, read our guide on how much Labs eat.

4. Bloat – Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Factor	Detail
What it is	The stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis — cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Without immediate emergency treatment, GDV is fatal within hours. It is one of the most serious emergencies in large breed dogs
Who is at risk	Deep-chested large breeds are at elevated risk — Labs fall into this category. Dogs that eat rapidly, eat one large meal daily, or exercise vigorously around mealtimes are at higher risk
Signs — know these immediately	Distended, hard, or visibly swollen abdomen. Unproductive retching — attempting to vomit without producing anything. Restlessness and distress. Drooling. Rapid deterioration. If you see these signs — go to an emergency veterinarian immediately, do not wait
Prevention	Feed two meals daily rather than one large meal. Do not exercise vigorously within 2 hours before or after eating. Use a slow feeder bowl to reduce eating speed. Avoid elevated food bowls — research has not confirmed the benefit and some evidence suggests elevated bowls may increase risk in large breeds
Treatment	Emergency surgical intervention — the stomach must be decompressed and rotated back to its correct position. Prophylactic gastropexy — surgical attachment of the stomach to the body wall — is sometimes performed to prevent recurrence or as a preventive measure in high-risk dogs

5. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

Factor	Detail
What it is	A genetic condition in which intense exercise triggers muscle weakness and collapse — typically after 5 to 25 minutes of strenuous activity. The dog loses coordination, wobbles, and collapses — then typically recovers within 5 to 25 minutes of rest. In rare cases EIC events are fatal
Genetic basis	EIC is caused by a mutation in the DNM1 gene — inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. A dog must inherit two copies of the mutation (one from each parent) to be affected. Carriers of one copy are unaffected but can pass the gene to offspring
Prevalence in Labs	Estimated to affect approximately 3% of Labrador Retrievers — with carrier rates significantly higher. Field-line Labs and hunting dogs are disproportionately represented in EIC cases due to their higher-intensity exercise exposure
How to screen	A simple DNA test identifies Clear, Carrier, or Affected status. Responsible breeding programs test both parent dogs — breeding two carriers together produces a statistical risk of Affected offspring. Always ask whether EIC DNA testing has been performed on both parents
Management if affected	Avoid high-intensity sustained exercise — most affected Labs can live normal lives with exercise modification. Identify and avoid the specific triggers — typically sustained retrieving, swimming, or field work — and manage accordingly

6. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Factor	Detail
What it is	A group of genetic eye conditions causing progressive deterioration of the retina — leading to night blindness first, then progressive vision loss, and eventually complete blindness in affected dogs
Genetic basis	In Labrador Retrievers, the most common form is prcd-PRA — an autosomal recessive condition requiring two copies of the mutation for the dog to be affected. Carriers of one copy are unaffected but pass the gene to offspring
Signs	Night blindness appearing first — the dog becomes hesitant in low light, bumps into objects in the dark, and is reluctant to go outside at night. Pupils may appear more dilated than normal. Day vision loss follows progressively
Age of onset	Clinical signs typically appear in middle age — between 3 and 8 years in most affected Labs
How to screen	DNA testing identifies Clear, Carrier, or Affected status before breeding. CAER (Canine Annual Eye Registry) examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist provides annual eye health certification. Both are standard in responsible Lab breeding programs
Management	No treatment exists for PRA — management focuses on environmental adaptation to support a blind or partially sighted dog. Affected dogs typically adapt well to vision loss when their home environment remains consistent

7. Cancer

Factor	Detail
Prevalence	Cancer is among the leading causes of death in Labs over 10 years of age — as in most dog breeds. Labs are not uniquely cancer-prone compared to many other large breeds, but their longevity means more Labs reach the age at which cancer becomes statistically more likely
Most common types in Labs	Mast cell tumors, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and osteosarcoma are among the more frequently diagnosed cancers in Labrador Retrievers — though any cancer type can occur
Risk factors	Age is the strongest risk factor. Obesity is associated with increased cancer risk in dogs as in humans. Some evidence suggests early spaying and neutering may affect cancer risk profiles — discuss timing of neutering with your veterinarian
Early detection	Annual veterinary examinations — increasing to twice yearly from age 7 — provide the best opportunity for early detection. Owners should investigate any new lump, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, or persistent lethargy promptly rather than waiting for the annual exam
What owners can control	Maintaining healthy weight, annual veterinary screening, and prompt investigation of any physical changes. Early detection significantly affects treatment options and outcomes for most cancer types

8. Ear Infections

Ear infections are among the most common reasons Labs visit the veterinarian — their floppy ears trap moisture and their enthusiasm for swimming creates the warm, damp ear canal environment that bacterial and yeast infections thrive in:

Factor	Detail
Why Labs are prone	Floppy ear flaps restrict airflow to the ear canal — creating a warm, dark, moist environment that bacteria and yeast colonize readily. Swimming dramatically increases moisture in the ear canal and significantly raises infection risk in Labs that swim regularly
Signs	Strong or unpleasant odour from the ear. Dark brown or black discharge. Redness or swelling of the ear canal. The Lab scratching at their ear, shaking their head, or rubbing their ear on the floor. Sensitivity when the ear is touched
Prevention	Weekly ear inspection. Dry the outer ear canal gently after every swimming session using a soft cloth or cotton ball. Clean ears with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution every 2 to 4 weeks for Labs that swim regularly
Treatment	Veterinary examination to identify the infection type — bacterial, yeast, or mixed — followed by appropriate topical or oral treatment. Do not attempt to treat ear infections at home without veterinary guidance — incorrect treatment can worsen the infection or cause antibiotic resistance
Chronic ear infections	Labs with recurrent ear infections may have an underlying allergy — food or environmental — that creates chronic inflammation of the ear canal. Identifying and managing the underlying allergy breaks the cycle of repeated infections

9. Dental Disease

Factor	Detail
Prevalence	Dental disease is among the most common health problems in all dog breeds — studies suggest that by age 3, the majority of dogs show some degree of dental disease. Labs are no exception
Why it matters beyond the mouth	Untreated dental disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream — affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Systemic bacterial infection from dental disease is a genuine contributor to shortened lifespan in dogs including Labs
Signs	Bad breath (beyond normal dog breath), brown or yellow tartar buildup on teeth, red or swollen gums, reluctance to chew hard food or toys, pawing at the mouth, and in advanced cases dropping food while eating
Prevention	Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste is the gold standard — introduced from puppyhood using a finger brush and gradually progressing to a toothbrush. VOHC-approved dental chews provide supplementary plaque control. Annual veterinary dental examination
Professional cleaning	When tartar buildup reaches a level that brushing cannot address, professional cleaning under anaesthetic is required — this is a routine veterinary procedure. Delaying professional cleaning when recommended allows disease to progress to tooth loss and systemic infection

10. Skin and Coat Conditions

Condition	Detail
Environmental allergies	Labs can develop allergies to environmental triggers — pollen, dust mites, mold — that manifest as itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and paw licking. Management includes identifying triggers, allergen avoidance where possible, and veterinary treatment
Food allergies and sensitivities	Some Labs develop sensitivity to specific protein or grain sources — typically manifesting as chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, or digestive upset. A veterinary elimination diet trial identifies the triggering ingredient
Hot spots — acute moist dermatitis	Labs that swim regularly are prone to hot spots — rapidly developing areas of inflamed, infected skin that appear suddenly and spread quickly if not treated. Keep the coat dry after swimming, particularly in humid weather
Color Dilution Alopecia — Silver Labs	Silver Labs carrying the dilute gene may develop Color Dilution Alopecia — a skin and coat condition causing dryness, flaking, and coat thinning. Not all Silver Labs are affected — prevalence in the breed is not well-documented. Discuss with any Silver Lab breeder before purchasing

What Responsible Breeders Do to Reduce These Risks

Health Test	What It Screens For	How to Verify
OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation	Hip dysplasia — malformation of the hip joint	Search both parent dogs by registered name at ofa.org — results are public and free to access
OFA Elbow Evaluation	Elbow dysplasia — developmental conditions of the elbow joint	Same OFA database search — elbow results appear alongside hip results
CAER Eye Certification	Progressive Retinal Atrophy and other hereditary eye conditions	Ask to see the current CAER certificate — must be renewed annually by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
EIC DNA Test	Exercise-Induced Collapse — genetic mutation in the DNM1 gene	Ask to see the DNA test certificate — results show as Clear, Carrier, or Affected. Both parents should be tested
prcd-PRA DNA Test	Progressive Retinal Atrophy genetic carrier status	DNA test certificate — same Clear, Carrier, Affected results as EIC testing

All of these tests are verifiable before you commit to a puppy — a breeder who cannot or will not provide this documentation has not performed the testing. Read our full guide on how to choose a Labrador breeder.

Lab Owner Prevention Checklist

Action	Frequency
✅ Choose puppy from OFA-tested parents — hips, elbows, eyes, EIC, PRA	Before purchase
✅ Feed measured meals — no free feeding, no table scraps	Every meal — daily
✅ Brush teeth with dog-specific toothpaste	Daily — or minimum 3 to 4 times weekly
✅ Inspect ears for odour, redness, or discharge	Weekly
✅ Dry ears after swimming	Every swim
✅ Exercise daily — age appropriate	Daily — two sessions
✅ Body condition check — rib and waist check	Monthly
✅ Parasite prevention — heartworm, flea, tick	Year-round — per product instructions
✅ Veterinary examination	Annual until age 7 — twice yearly from age 7
✅ Investigate any new lumps promptly	Within one week of discovery

Estimated Treatment Costs – Common Labrador Health Problems

Costs vary significantly by location, clinic, and severity — these are approximate US ranges to help owners plan:

Condition / Procedure	Approximate US Cost	Notes
OFA hip evaluation — pre-breeding	$300 – $500	Per dog — includes X-rays and OFA submission fee
OFA elbow evaluation — pre-breeding	$300 – $500	Per dog — often done at the same time as hip X-rays
EIC and PRA DNA tests	$75 – $150 each	Simple cheek swab — can be done at home and mailed to the lab
Hip dysplasia management — ongoing	$500 – $2,000+ annually	Medication, supplements, physiotherapy — varies by severity
Hip dysplasia surgery — Triple Pelvic Osteotomy or Total Hip Replacement	$3,500 – $7,000+ per hip	Varies significantly by procedure and location
Bloat — GDV emergency surgery	$3,000 – $7,500	Emergency pricing — cost varies by severity and location. Pet insurance strongly recommended
Ear infection treatment	$100 – $300 per episode	Exam, culture if chronic, medication. Chronic allergy-driven infections cost more
Professional dental cleaning	$300 – $800	Includes anaesthetic — price varies by level of disease and extractions required
Cancer diagnosis and treatment	$1,000 – $20,000+	Extremely variable by type, stage, and treatment chosen. Pet insurance most valuable here
Annual veterinary exam	$150 – $300	Excluding vaccinations, bloodwork, and parasite prevention — which add to the total

Pet insurance taken out before any conditions develop is the most effective way to manage the financial risk of the more expensive conditions on this list — particularly GDV, hip surgery, and cancer treatment.

Healthy Labrador Checklist

A Lab that is healthy and well-cared for should consistently show most of these signs:

Checklist Item	Why It Matters
✅ Visible waist when viewed from above — ribs easily felt	The clearest single indicator of healthy weight — the most impactful health factor in Labs
✅ Willingness to exercise daily — energy appropriate for age	Reluctance to exercise in a previously active Lab is an early warning sign for joint pain, illness, or weight issues
✅ Clean ears with no odour or discharge	Weekly inspection catches the early signs of ear infection before they become established
✅ Bright, clear eyes with no cloudiness or discharge	Eye clarity is a good general health indicator — changes warrant veterinary attention
✅ Clean teeth and fresh breath	Dental health reflects consistent care and reduces systemic infection risk
✅ Measured meals — no free feeding	The most controllable factor in Lab obesity prevention
✅ Stable weight — no gradual gain between annual vet visits	Slow weight gain is the most commonly missed early health problem in Labs — weigh monthly
✅ Annual veterinary exam — twice yearly from age 7	Early detection of cancer, kidney disease, dental disease, and joint deterioration
✅ Year-round parasite prevention — heartworm, fleas, ticks	Parasite-borne diseases have long-term organ health consequences that shorten lifespan
✅ Good appetite with no unexplained changes	Significant appetite increase or decrease in a senior Lab is an early signal worth investigating

Research References

Source	What It Covers	Link
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)	Hip and elbow dysplasia prevalence data, DNA health test results, and breed statistics for Labrador Retrievers	ofa.org
American Kennel Club (AKC)	Labrador Retriever breed standard, health recommendations, and breeder guidance	akc.org
Cell Metabolism — 2016 POMC gene study	Identified the POMC gene mutation in approximately 23% of Labrador Retrievers affecting satiety signalling	Raffan et al., Cell Metabolism, 2016
Canine Genetics and Epidemiology — 2018 chocolate Lab lifespan study	Found median lifespan of 10.7 years in Chocolate Labs vs 12.1 years in Black and Yellow Labs	O’Neill et al., Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2018
Scientific Reports — 2023 UK dog lifespan study	Analyzed over 30,000 dogs — found median Lab lifespan of approximately 12 years	Trevail et al., Scientific Reports, 2023
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)	GDV surgical treatment, prevention, and prophylactic gastropexy guidance	acvs.org

Our Available Lab Puppies

Every puppy from Labrador Today comes from parents with OFA health testing across hips, elbows, eyes, and applicable DNA screenings — the most important foundation for reducing the common Labrador health problems covered in this guide. Full health documentation is provided with every puppy.

• Black Lab Puppies
• Yellow Lab Puppies
• Chocolate Lab Puppies
• White English Cream Lab Puppies
• Silver Lab Puppies
• Red Fox Lab Puppies

For further reading on Lab health:

• How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live?
• How Much Do Labs Eat? Feeding Guide by Age and Weight
• Labrador Exercise Needs by Age
• How to Choose a Labrador Breeder

👉 Browse All Available Puppies
👉 Contact Us to Verify Health Testing Before Reserving

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common health problems in Labrador Retrievers?

The most common Labrador health problems are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, obesity, ear infections, dental disease, bloat (GDV), Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cancer in older Labs, and skin and coat conditions including allergies. Many of these are hereditary — choosing a puppy from health-tested parents significantly reduces the inherited risk for the genetic conditions. Obesity and ear infections are the most preventable through consistent owner management.

How do I know if a Lab breeder has health tested their dogs?

Ask for the registered names of both parent dogs and verify their OFA hip and elbow clearances yourself at ofa.org — the database is free and publicly searchable. Ask to see CAER eye certification (current — renewed annually) and EIC and PRA DNA test certificates. A reputable breeder provides all of this without hesitation. Read our full guide on how to choose a Labrador breeder.

Are Labs prone to hip problems?

Yes — the OFA consistently identifies Labrador Retrievers as one of the large breeds with elevated rates of hip dysplasia. However, the risk is significantly reduced when both parent dogs have OFA or PennHIP hip clearances, the puppy is kept at a lean weight throughout life, and appropriate exercise guidelines (including the 5-minute puppy rule) are followed during the growth phase.

What is EIC in Labradors?

Exercise-Induced Collapse is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the DNM1 gene. Affected Labs collapse after 5 to 25 minutes of intense exercise — then typically recover with rest. It is inherited as a recessive condition requiring two copies of the mutation to cause the condition. A simple DNA test identifies Clear, Carrier, or Affected status — responsible breeders test both parents to avoid producing Affected puppies.

Is bloat common in Labs?

Labs are at moderate risk for bloat (GDV) as a deep-chested large breed. Risk is reduced by feeding two meals daily rather than one large meal, using a slow feeder bowl, and avoiding vigorous exercise within two hours before and after eating. Bloat is a life-threatening emergency — if you see a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, or sudden distress in your Lab, go to an emergency veterinarian immediately without waiting.

How can I keep my Labrador healthy?

The most impactful steps: choose a puppy from OFA health-tested parents, maintain lean body weight throughout life, provide daily age-appropriate exercise, attend annual veterinary exams (twice yearly from age 7), provide daily dental care, inspect ears weekly and dry them after swimming, and investigate any new lumps or unexplained changes promptly. These steps collectively address the most common and most preventable Labrador health problems.