Hi, I'm new to this forum, just bought a new black Labrador he's brilliant, not one cry at night and only had 2 accidents since I've had him, I get anxiety and I'm probaby being stupid however both parents are good hip scores and dads elbow is 0 but mother is 1? Will my pup suffer? I've read it wil be fine but since this forum is strictly labs maybe you could ease my panic? Cheers
Houdini, genetics don’t work that way. The pup could take after Mum or Dad or neither. Characteristics don’t average out. But, Billy, I wouldn’t worry about it at this point. You’ve got your pup and I’m sure nothing would make you give him up No point getting stressed about something that is most likely not going to be an issue at all. Just enjoy your lovely pup
My Lab will be 6 in January and up to this moment is fine, the vet said if there had been any genetic problems they would have happened by now. Rourke's sire had an elbow score of 1.The sire is now retired and had no problems with his elbow.
I'm not intending to breed him just don't want my little mate to suffer both sire and dam are working dogs so I can't see there's actually an issue with the mothers elbows. Thanks a lot anyway
My boy had the same parental scores as yours. He’s 6 yo now and his hips and elbows are fine - were xrayed two years ago (incl in a scan of his back - unfortunately he had a slipped disc) and showed normal wear for his age. He did limp in his first year though - three times, once on the left front leg, twice on the right front leg, vet thought it could be growing pains, he had no other problems. But we were very careful with exercise, not overdoing it for a puppy. But he was wild when he was young and might’ve done his back damage then. He’s in his best health yet at 6 yo - slipped disc was rough, but he has recovered well and is fit and slim and amazingly well, very thankful for that. Looking back it was a waste of energy worrying - but as you probably know, try telling a worrier not to worry! At least he didn’t - Labs are clever that way!
That's great news! I think I just needed a little reassurance the mother is only slightly below average but she's a working dog so I can't see any issue really, she doesn't walk with a limp at all so that's a good sign and the sire is completely fine so more than likely I'll get the medium of them both, thanks
Some health checks are gene checks and if the parents are clear, or sometimes even if not but mated to a clear dog, then the pup can be guaranteed clear of, say CNM and EIC too, I think. But bad elbows and hips are not caused by a gene (as far as we know so far) so it's not a guarantee the pup will be good if the parents are good. But it IS upping the odds of having a pup without issues. Bad elbows and hips can also be induced by injury. And possibly by neutering before puberty, along with other joint disorders.
Unfortunately genetics don’t work like that: “get the medium”. The offspring inherit dominant and recessive genes. So, it could be that both parents are fine but offspring get two “bad” recessive genes and is now affected. The best you can do now is management - regardless of whether you have a perfect score of zero or not (the thinking is that both genetics and bad management play a role in joint problems, not just genetics feed the highest quality food you can afford and be sensible about exercise. There are plenty articles on exercise, some conflicting, but best to read up as much as you can and apply common sense. Also delay neutering, if you plan to neuter, until dog is fully matured (2 years old). Hormones are needed to build muscle, which protects joints. And above all: have fun with your pup!!!!!!!
I have a girl with ED. Both parents have 0 scores for elbows as I wouldn't consider a pup from parents with anything less so unfortunately there is no way of knowing what risk your pup has of future problems although you might consider x-rays in the future. That a dog works doesn't mean that they aren't in pain or that there is no problem and there is no reason why a dog with ED can't work as it becomes management of the condition. While it is believed that environment may play a role in ED developing there is most likely also a genetic link. I have recently learned that a girl, a half sister to my girl, has been diagnosed with ED . She had been kept by the breeder for her bloodlines with the intention of breeding from her but has now been spayed to prevent any accidental pregnancies. I really hope that your pup goes through life with out any problems
