Inherited disorders

Labs are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia,[31] especially the larger dogs,[32] though not as much as some other breeds.[33] Hip scores are recommended before breeding.
Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the leg is often bow shaped.
Eye problems are also possible in some Labs, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts,[34] corneal dystrophy[31] and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.
Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre.[35]
There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in labs, either congenitally or later in life.[5]