Golden Retriever
I don't know what happened to the golden retriever, but it's sad that such a wonderful breed has so many health issues. In the 1970s goldens lived about 17 years, today it's around 9. Our Haylie die...
Forum Discussion
Although they vary, the cancer rates in golden retrievers are higher than the all-breed average in all parts of the world. This leads to a supposition that there was a genetic disposition for cancer in the foundation stock for the breed. As breeders have selectively bred for particular traits, the gene pool has become smaller. If the theory is correct, the "bad genes" in the foundation stock has become more concentrated. Indirectly, dying of cancer, may become part of the standard.
Around 1990, our male golden, Friar Tuck, developed lymphoma at age 7. He had 3 experimental (at that time) chemotherapy treatments and lived to the age of 15. At thirteen and a half, he developed a hemangiosarcoma, which presented itself as spleen cancer. We had his spleen removed and he had another good year and a half.
We've been lucky with our goldens, except for Allie, who was killed in an accident at 2, they've all lived almost 15 years.
Check out the breed lines before getting a golden. Keep your goldens lean and fit. Keep herbicides and pesticides our of their environment. (Yes, our backyard doesn't have the best grass in the neighborhood, but it is safe for the dogs.)
Tom
Around 1990, our male golden, Friar Tuck, developed lymphoma at age 7. He had 3 experimental (at that time) chemotherapy treatments and lived to the age of 15. At thirteen and a half, he developed a hemangiosarcoma, which presented itself as spleen cancer. We had his spleen removed and he had another good year and a half.
We've been lucky with our goldens, except for Allie, who was killed in an accident at 2, they've all lived almost 15 years.
Check out the breed lines before getting a golden. Keep your goldens lean and fit. Keep herbicides and pesticides our of their environment. (Yes, our backyard doesn't have the best grass in the neighborhood, but it is safe for the dogs.)
Tom
