What kind of diseases can a golden retriever get when they got old most common

for eye examinations. It's important to verify that the dogs are being

examined annually and not just once. If the breeder has older dogs,

ask if they are still being examined as well.

Epilepsy

Seizure disorders may arise from a variety of environmental factors

including viral infections, other diseases and trauma. While an

isolated seizure does not necessarily constitute a problem, dogs

subject to recurring seizures should not be bred. Veterinarians can

prescribe medication to control recurring seizures, however medication

is not always completely effective. Epilepsy generally does not affect

a dog's health or longevity, but all such dogs should be immediately

neutered and not used for breeding stock: if it's hereditary, you

don't want to pass it along to the pups'; if not, pregnancy increases

the risk of a seizure, endangering both her and the pups' lives.

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS)

SAS, a hereditary heart disease, is known to occur in the Golden

Retriever breed. There is no registry for screenings for SAS, however,

breeders have begun to have their dogs screened by Board-Certified

Veterinary Cardiologists, and OFA is setting up a Heart Registry

program as of mid-1996. The usual screening is auscultation (listening

to the heart with a stethescope). If there is any suspicion in the