This section is on Labrador myopathy. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
This is a unique muscle abnormality seen in Labrador Retrievers. It is a genetic disease with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Typically, signs begin to appear at three months of age and include an abnormal gait and exercise intolerance. The gait is characterized by weak front legs, widely splayed legs, and a "bowlegged" appearance. The disease progresses to extreme weakness and front end collapse. By the time the puppy is six months there is a marked decrease in skeletal muscle. Fortunately, the condition rarely progresses past this point, and many affected dogs go on to live quality lives although they are severely limited as far as physical activity. Unfortunately, others die or are put to sleep due to the severity of the lesions. No one is sure of the exact mechanisms by which the disease occurs nor why it is specific to Labrador Retrievers. Needless to say affected dogs should never be bred, and serious thought needs to be given to not breeding the parents or siblings.