subject: Labrador Retrievers Popular Breed Prone To Joint Problems [print this page] Labs make great family pets because they are loyal, intelligent, patient and mild mannered dogs. These traits have made them the most popular breed of dogs in the United States since 1991. With proper nutrition and medical care you can expect your Labrador to live 13 years. The breed has relatively few major health problems. But, like other full-breed dogs, they are susceptible to certain inherited disorders.
Labs suffer from the risk of knee problems. A Laxating Patella is a common occurrence in the knee that results in the leg being bow shaped. This may cause abnormal wear and tear on the joint, resulting in the development of painful osteoarthritis.
Canine hip Dysplasia is also a concern, though not as common in Labs as in other breeds. But, hip dysplasia is the most common genetic malformation affecting dogs of all breeds. Dysplasia is a general term for the malformation of the hip joint that eventually leads to arthritis. This malformation occurs when the two parts of the hip joint - the ball and socket are misaligned. Dogs suffering from dysplasia are usually not as active as they could be due to pain. Often, the only cure for dysplasia is costly surgery to replace the dysplastic hip joint.
The only way to decrease the prevalence of these disorders is through conscientious breeding practices. However, even with the most vigilant breeders there's no way of knowing whether an animal will develop a joint disorder later in life. Regular trips to the veterinarian can play an important role in early detection of problems. Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed treatment for animals suffering from genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As with people, these medications provide only temporary relief by decreasing inflammation, but not without a host of potential side effects.
However, there is an alternative. Over the last decade, supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin - the natural building blocks of healthy cartilage - offers relief from pain with long-term healing and little risk of side effects. Like NSAIDs, glucosamine and chondroitin decrease inflammation but they also give damaged joints the raw materials needed to build new cartilage, resulting in true relief from pain.
Many products are available, but only one has a decade of history and excellent results. Syn-flex for Pets is a high-grade liquid glucosamine formula designed to give your pet maximum relief in minimum time. Many owners report significant improvements in their pets in less than two weeks of use! Simply pour a small amount (measured dose) in a dish or over his or her food. Check out the resource box below to learn more about this excellent product.
Synflex, also spelled (Syn-flex), is safe, effective, inexpensive, and easy to administer.
