Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia refers to a condition where the conformation (physical structure) of the hip joint is abnormal. A healthy hip joint operates as a smooth 'ball and socket' type joint, whereas hips affected by dysplasia typically have a flattening of the 'socket' component of the joint, resulting in a shallow joint where the 'ball' or head of the femur is not held securely. This leads to instability of the joint which may cause pain in the young dog (juvenile hip dysplasia) and ultimately causes development of osteoarthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, which is an articulation of three bones, the humerus, radius and ulna. The correct alignment of the joint requires each bone to grow at the correct rate otherwise dysplasia can occur. While there are a few different locations in the joint where dysplasia can occur, each with different potential underlying causes, the end result is the same. Dogs with elbow dysplasia typically display signs of lameness in one or both front limbs at around 4 to 10 months of age, with arthritis appearing and worsening with age.
Hip and elbow dysplasia have been demonstrated to be inherited conditions in dogs, so all good Labrador breeders screen their breeding dogs and bitches using hip and elbow scoring to help prevent the condition being passed on to puppies. It's worth noting that while hip and elbow screening of the parents reduces the risk a puppy will have hip or elbow dysplasia, it doesn't remove the risk completely.
Management of hip and elbow dysplasia is best achieved early, before significant osteoarthritis develops. Depending on the type and severity of dysplasia present and the age of the dog, there are some surgical procedures which aim to correct the abnormal conformation of the joint to reduce the development of arthritis in later life. In severe cases of hip dysplasia, particularly in older dogs or those with significant arthritis, a total hip replacement may be neccessary.
Obesity
Obesity is linked with a number of health conditions in dogs, most notably osteoarthritis, which as previously mentioned is not uncommon in Labradors. Obesity can also contribute to other health conditions in dogs including heart disease, metabolic disease, breathing problems and skin problems.
One of the most common health conditions to impact Labradors is obesity, in the majority of cases due to overnutrition. The Labrador's strong affection for food teamed with their sociable nature makes them the masters of begging for food. While the temptation to give into those forlorn puppy dog eyes can be strong, it is in your Lab's best interest to closely regulate and monitor their food intake and bodyweight.
As well as simply contributing excess weight that your dog has to carry around, we now know that in the case of obesity, fat acts as an organ itself, releasing inflammatory mediators which result in a chronic state of inflammation that contributes to health conditions and adversely effects the immune system.
