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

cardiologist's mind, an echocardiogram is run to rule out any

problems. The typical proof that a breeder has had their breeding

stock screened for SAS is a letter signed by a Board-Certified

Veterinary Cardiologist indicating that the animal is, in their

opinion, free from SAS.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterized by atrophy or malfunction of the

thyroid gland. Clinical symptoms include obesity, lethargy, and/or

coat problems. Affected animals may also have various reproductive

problems including irregular or absent heat cycle and lack of

fertility in both male and female.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is by laboratory tests measuring levels of

T3 and T4 (produced by the thyroid gland) in the blood. Treatment

consists of daily administration of oral thyroid supplement. When

treated successfully the prognosis is excellent and the dog's lifespan

is normal. Lifelong thyroid supplementation may be required.

Many clinically normal, healthy Goldens may test slightly under the

accepted range of "normal" T3 and T4 levels and it is quite possible

that the normal values for this breed may be slightly lower than the

values used for the general canine population.

There are some dogs that will have epileptic attacks when hypothyroid

and stop seizuring when put on thyroid. While there is a link, the