Goldendoodles are generally healthy, but like all breeds, can have certain health conditions. It is important to be aware of diseases they can have when you're buying a puppy. Be sure to research your breeder and fine one that has health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Goldendoodles should be cleared through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or Evet Diagnostics for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better) and elbow dysplasia. Their patellas, heart and eyes should be cleared by OFA as normal as well
All of our parents are health tested to the GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America) Blue ribbon level which includes HIPS, ELBOWS, PATELLAS, CARDIAC, and EYES. They are also DNA tested for Ichthyosis, DM, NEWS, GR-PRA1, GR-PRA2, PRA-PRCD, VWD1, VWD2 and Coat. We guarantee puppy's hips, eyes, elbows, and heart for two years.
Our parent dogs have been cleared of the following diseases and we guarantee our puppies for a lifetime against these disease:
Degenerative myelopathy (disease of spinal cord)
Ichthyosis (skin disorder)
Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures
GR-PRA1 (eyes)
GR-PRA2 (eyes)
PRA-PRCD(eyes)
Willebrand's Disease type 1 (VWD1 -blood disorder)
Von Willebrand's Disease type 2 (VWD2 -blood disorder)
IC-improper coat
*Osteochondrodysplasia (bone deformity and dwarfism)
Gangliosidosis (destroys nerve cells in brain and spine)
Muscular Dystrophy
Health Of Goldendoodles
**Patellar Luxation: This is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. If severe, this can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
**Hip Dysplasia: This can be an inherited condition (though it's also sometimes triggered by malnutrition or injury) in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Arthritis can develop as the dog ages. It can be diagnosed by OFA xrays. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
**Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. It's believed to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which results in a malformed and weakned joint. The dog can develop arthritis or become lame. Surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication can be effective treatment.
**Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This causes the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
**Von Willebrand's Disease: This is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, and blood in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed between three and five years of age, and it can't be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications.
Other Health Conditions (these can be managed but not always avoided):
All of our parents are health tested to the GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America) Blue ribbon level which includes HIPS, ELBOWS, PATELLAS, CARDIAC, and EYES. They are also DNA tested for Ichthyosis, DM, NEWS, GR-PRA1, GR-PRA2, PRA-PRCD, VWD1, VWD2 and Coat. We guarantee puppy's hips, eyes, elbows, and heart for two years.
Our parent dogs have been cleared of the following diseases and we guarantee our puppies for a lifetime against these disease:
Degenerative myelopathy (disease of spinal cord)
Ichthyosis (skin disorder)
Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures
GR-PRA1 (eyes)
GR-PRA2 (eyes)
PRA-PRCD(eyes)
Willebrand's Disease type 1 (VWD1 -blood disorder)
Von Willebrand's Disease type 2 (VWD2 -blood disorder)
IC-improper coat
*Osteochondrodysplasia (bone deformity and dwarfism)
Gangliosidosis (destroys nerve cells in brain and spine)
Muscular Dystrophy
Health Of Goldendoodles
**Patellar Luxation: This is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation is when the knee joint (often of a hind leg) slides in and out of place, causing pain. If severe, this can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition.
**Hip Dysplasia: This can be an inherited condition (though it's also sometimes triggered by malnutrition or injury) in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Arthritis can develop as the dog ages. It can be diagnosed by OFA xrays. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred.
**Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. It's believed to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which results in a malformed and weakned joint. The dog can develop arthritis or become lame. Surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication can be effective treatment.
**Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This causes the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same.
**Von Willebrand's Disease: This is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, and blood in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed between three and five years of age, and it can't be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications.
Other Health Conditions (these can be managed but not always avoided):
- Ear Infections: These can be a problem for Goldendoodles because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly. Have groomer trim the hair short under their ears for air flow.
- Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog's diet; contact allergies, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as large Goldendoodles. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists (torsion). The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma ,and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet.
