Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Health Concerns

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is prone to the following major health conditions:

Canine Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a polygenic trait, that is affected by environmental factors in the production of the final phenotype. It can be found in many animals and occasionally in humans, but is most commonly associated with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds, particularly the larger breeds.

Gastric Torsion - Gastric Torsion is a medical condition in which the stomach becomes overstretched by excessive gas content. It is also commonly referred to as bloat, gastric torsion, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) when the stomach is also twisted.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is prone to the following minor health conditions:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs and, more rarely, cats. It is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss culminating in blindness. The condition in nearly all breeds is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, with the exception of the Siberian Husky and the Bullmastiff. There is no treatment.

Hypothyroidisim - Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Early symptoms: Being more sensitive to cold; Constipation; Depression; Fatigue or feeling slowed down.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever occasionally has problems with the following health conditions:

Entropion - Entropion is the inversion of the eyelids, so that they roll inward, often irritating the eye.

Osteochondritis Dissecans - Osteochondritis Dissecans is a joint disorder in which cracks form in the articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Osteochondritis Dissecans usually causes pain and swelling of the affected joint which catches and locks during movement.

Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog, specifically the growth of cartilage or the structures surrounding it. These abnormalities, known as 'primary lesions', give rise to osteoarthritic processes.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy - Cerebellar Abiotrophy is the degeneration of the brain neurons in the cerebellum, resulting in progressively worsening incoordination. This is caused by a recessive gene.