Chondrodysplasia Labrador Retriever · ITGA10 chondrodysplasia · Disproportionate dwarfism · Zwergwuchs Labrador · Chondrodysplasia Karelian Bear Dog · Karelian Bear Dog Dwarfism · Zwergwuchs beim Karelischen Bärenhund · ITGA10-Chondrodysplasie · Skeletal Dwarfism · Norwegian Elkhound chondrodysplasia · ITGA10-related skeletal dysplasia
This is an inherited skeletal disorder in Labrador Retrievers that affects the development of cartilage, which is the protective tissue cushioning the joints and guiding bone growth. Because the cartilage does not develop normally, the long bones in the legs fail to grow to their full length, resulting in a form of dwarfism. This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to be affected.
Owners will typically notice that affected puppies have abnormally short, sometimes bowed legs compared to their normally proportioned bodies, starting from a few weeks of age. As the puppy grows, this skeletal mismatch can lead to early-onset joint stiffness, an abnormal gait, and reluctance to exercise.
While the underlying skeletal structure cannot be cured, the associated joint pain and mobility issues can be managed through lifelong veterinary care, weight management, and physical therapy. Depending on the severity and whether surgical intervention is needed to support the joints, lifetime treatment costs typically range from 1,500 to 6,000 EUR.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the Mouth & teeth.