Inherited Diseases in Labradors

Firstly, The Labrador Club acknowledges that our breed DOES have hereditary diseases and as caretakers of the breed we have a certain responsibility to minimise their effect on the individual dogs and the breed. As breeders of registered puppies, we are also bound by the Dogs New Zealand Breeders Code of Ethics, which can be found on the DNZ website.

From its inception, the Labrador Club has been in the forefront of breed clubs using all the available tools to assist in breeding dogs which are as free as possible from hereditary disease. We want breeders to breed dogs that live up to the reputation of a breed and can work all day without pain or discomfort. Most Labradors these days are pets and the physical stresses are perhaps not as great as in a working dog, but they should still be able to function normally. The bottom line is the well-being of our Labradors. It is far easier to NOT breed a litter from unsound stock, than it is to take a loved Labrador from that breeding, to be euthanised, because it cannot live a pain free life.

Probably the most significant thing that the Club has done is to only advertise puppies, stud dogs, and kennels for those breeders who are testing breeding stock for hereditary diseases. This has created an awareness, not only in the breeders using the facilities, but in the general public who buy their puppies, and bitch owners who use their stud dogs. Information about which genetic diseases breeders must test for and the required veterinary screening checks are incorporated in the LRL scheme

Well before planning a mating, a breeder must arrange to have done the necessary screening tests. The results of these tests become part of the decision process as to whether your bitch is suitable to breed and which factors are important in your choice of stud dog.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening

Your dog must be over 12 months of age. X-Rays are taken under a general anaesthetic, usually at your local veterinary clinic. The Xray plates are then sent to a panel of veterinary scrutineers who will examine the plates then give the hips a score. There are several schemes for grading hips and elbows and the scoring systems are different. In New Zealand we have a numerical score, lowest is best. A perfect is 0 in each hip but a total of single figures is generally accepted suitable for breeding. The panel is internationally reviewed to maintain consistency from country to country.

Elbow Dysplasia Screening

This is done at the same time as the hip X-rays. The panel of scrutineers grade the elbows separately with 0 being perfect and 3 the worst level.

Eye Certificates

The LRL requirement includes an eye certificate, for both parents of a litter, issued within the previous 12 months of the puppies’ birth. This certificate must be the result of an eye examination made by a canine ophthalmologist. The Labrador Club (and other breed clubs) may organise a screening day with a qualified ophthalmologist which can provide testing at a reduced cost. Otherwise contact the club to find your nearest ophthalmologist.

The dog’s eyes are examined for inherited diseases such as retinal dysplasia, cataracts, and retinal atrophy. During this examination, the ophthalmologist may also pick up other eye diseases such as glaucoma, or melanoma, which, although not inherited, can become a problem.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA Test

This is a test is done with a cheek swab, then with all the necessary paperwork, sent to Australia for DNA identification of the gene that is responsible for producing PRA. The cheek swap must be done by a qualified person who will scan the dog’s microchip. Your vet is able to provide this service and advise you about getting the results.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a disease that results in blindness. It is essential that all breeders test prospective breeding stock to be absolutely sure that they will not breed blind puppies. Your breeder will supply the test results for the parents of your pup, and your bitch may be able to be declared “DNA free by parentage”. Check with your breeder about the protocol for cleared by parentage, as this will change over time.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is another significant disease that is inherited and at present there is not a DNA test available. All the current scientific research being done around the world t points to this being a recessive disease ( i.e. the gene must be carried by both parents) and although it can manifest itself in slightly differing ways (petit mal – grand mal), the gene for the disease is the same. Testing will most probably be done in the same way as for PRA. We are keeping up with the latest research and will notify club members when anything becomes available.

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