Obesity (in Labrador Retrievers)

General Information: Obesity in Labrador Retrievers is a common health condition where excess fat accumulates in the body due to an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. Labradors are particularly prone to obesity due to their genetics and a tendency to overeat. Obesity can develop at any stage of a dog's life and is influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, age, and metabolic rate. Symptoms of obesity include excessive body weight, difficulty feeling the ribs, a lack of waist definition, decreased energy, and difficulty breathing during mild activity. Over time, obesity can lead to severe health issues such as joint problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduced lifespan. It also exacerbates pre-existing conditions, such as hip dysplasia, which is common in Labradors. Prevention through proper diet control and regular exercise is critical.

Risk Factors and Management: Obesity in Labrador Retrievers is influenced by factors such as overfeeding, especially with high-calorie diets, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition. Labradors with obese parents are more likely to become obese themselves. Regular monitoring of body weight and body condition is essential to detect early signs of weight gain. Management of obesity involves a combination of controlled feeding practices and increased physical activity, typically guided by a veterinarian. For dogs already obese, a specialized weight management plan may include prescription diets that are lower in fat and calories, as well as regular vet check-ups to track progress. Dogs that maintain a healthy weight throughout their life have a reduced risk of obesity-related conditions and generally enjoy a longer, healthier life.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing of the specific gene associated with obesity can determine if a dog is prome to this condition. A deletion in the POMC gene is shown to inherit together with the condition in a likely Autosomal Dominant manner, meaning that dogs must inherit at least one copy of the mutated gene, to develop the disease. For each copy of the deletion allele, dogs gain on average 1.9 kg extra bodyweight. Dogs possessing only one copy of the mutation, typically do show less severe symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each pup has a 75% chance of developing the disorder. There are a small number fo obese dogs that do not carry the deletion allele, suggesting other genetic and/or environmental causes can play a role too. Reliable genetic testing is crucial for informed breeding practices to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines, and breeding two affected dogs together is not recommended to avoid producing affected pups. Dogs that are not carriers of the deletion allele have a very low risk of having affected offspring.