My lab puppy is about 15 weeks old and he has had almost all his vaccinations and has been to the vet on a regular basis for check ups and other stuff. He is about 24 pounds and he bone structure is real broad and thick. his joints and his paws are pretty thick as well. He knows how to jump up and down the 3 steps on the porch and that is about it. He hesitates to jump up and down them every time I take him outside. I have to encourage him everytime before he actually does it. He doesn't really jump up on my bed at all or anything like that. He is mostly a calm dog and he doesn't jump up on people at all. When I would take him outside to play and run and stuff he will get real tired when I bring him in and he lays down and takes a nap but when he gets up he sort of limps his first couple steps and then he walks normal. And also when I grab him by his paws or hig arms he sometimes squeals like it hurts him. I am concerned about this whether it might be that hip and elbow dysplasia. I have his pedigree but I can't find it right now. I do know that his mother was never screened for it but his dad was, but I'm not sure what his rating was. Could it just be growing pains, or something like that? Should I get him x-rayed (even thought I do want to breed him).And if something is wrong, would the x-rays show it if it wasn't hip/elbow dysplasa? Please help me. Thanks!
Bernda
He had a detached retina in his left eye and cataracts in both eyes. Eventually his right eye (the good one) will go blind also because that retina is thining and will detach as well. She said that it is likely to happen in dwarfism in labs. He is short and stubby (thick in his joints) and that is why. I am so depressed about it. I just need some sites for support or even books to help me with him. If anyone knows any please feel free to tell me! Thanks!