Health
Curly-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy but are prone to certain conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat, and various eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders screen for these issues, but owners should be aware of the risks and seek prompt veterinary care for conditions like bloat.
Common health issues
- Cancer: This is noted as a leading cause of death in the breed, though not from one specific type.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat: Due to their deep-chested build, they are at high risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These conditions occur when the joints don’t develop correctly, causing pain and limping.
- Eye Conditions: A variety of eye problems have been noted, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), entropion, and distichiasis.
- Other conditions: Other potential issues include Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD) type IIIa, and allergies.
Health and management
- Responsible breeding: Many breeders screen for hip and eye issues to help reduce the incidence of these problems.
- Diet: Providing high-quality food and avoiding overfeeding can help manage weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related issues and bloat.
- Feeding practices: To minimize bloat risk, it’s recommended to feed smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large one.
- Regular exercise: A key part of a healthy lifestyle for these active dogs is regular, vigorous exercise.
- Grooming: Regular brushing is necessary to maintain their dense, curly coat and prevent matting, which can cause skin irritation.
- Veterinary care: Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control are crucial for overall health.