Meet Luvable AZ Labs
Why is Health Testing Important?
At Luvable AZ Labs, we take health testing seriously to ensure the well-being of our dogs and the puppies they produce. Before breeding, our adult dogs undergo thorough genetic screenings and are cleared of specific hereditary diseases. We check for heart murmurs, hip and elbow dysplasia, and test for EIC, CNM, PRA, and CERF to screen for inheritable eye conditions. In addition, they receive regular parasite testing and preventive treatments before and after each litter.
A responsible breeder understands that healthy puppies start with healthy parents. That’s why all our adult dogs are fully vaccinated and undergo hip and elbow X-ray evaluations, reviewed and rated by Board-Certified Veterinary Radiologists at the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
You might ask, why do we invest so much in health testing? The answer is simple: a sound, healthy dog becomes a cherished family member for years to come. Ethical breeders conduct these tests to ensure your puppy has a fair chance living the longest life possible. Without proper screening, puppies—and their owners—can face preventable heartbreak, pain, and costly medical issues.
Breeding experience alone does not define ethical breeding practices. Please be cautious when choosing a breeder—those who cut corners on health testing put both puppies and owners at risk. While a lower purchase price may seem attractive, it could lead to lifelong veterinary bills and unnecessary suffering for your dog.
Does testing the dogs guarantee anything?
Does health testing guarantee that your puppy will never develop EIC, CNM, PRA, or hip and elbow dysplasia?
✅ Yes! When it comes to EIC, CNM, and PRA, genetic testing ensures that your puppy will never be affected—if both parents have been tested and cleared, it is genetically impossible for the condition to develop.
❌ However, hip and elbow dysplasia cannot be entirely ruled out. While thorough screening significantly reduces the risk, it does not offer a 100% guarantee. Puppies from parents with normal hip and elbow results have a very low likelihood of developing dysplasia, while those from parents with poor hip and elbow health are highly likely to be affected. Symptoms typically appear within the first two years of life.
💡 Can a lab with hip or elbow dysplasia still have a good quality of life? Yes! With proper management—such as a nutritious diet, therapy, restricted activity, and supplements—symptoms can be minimized. However, in severe cases, orthopedic surgery may be the only option.
🐾 Will your lab be free from arthritis in old age? No. Like humans, aging dogs often experience arthritis. However, dogs with dysplasia face much more severe symptoms.
📌 Not all cases of hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic. Puppy owners play a crucial role in minimizing risk by preventing excessive exercise during growth, providing a high-quality diet, and avoiding injury.
At Luvable AZ Labs, we set our puppies up for a healthy life with:
✔ Health-tested parents ✔ Quality prenatal care for the mother
✔ Premium food and supplements ✔ A clean, nurturing environment
✔ Plenty of love and attention
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) in Labrador Retrievers
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), previously known as Labrador Muscular Myopathy or Hereditary Myopathy of the Labrador Retriever (HMLR), is a hereditary condition found in Labrador Retrievers. First identified in the 1970s, the prevalence of the disease increased significantly by the 1990s due to widespread breeding of successful Labradors that carried the gene.
Despite its impact, CNM remains underrepresented in veterinary handbooks and clinical manuals, which are typically updated every five years. Because CNM is breed-specific, awareness within the veterinary community has been slow to expand. Efforts are underway to inform clinics about the availability of a simple DNA test, though this process takes time.
CNM prevents proper muscle development in affected Labradors. Symptoms usually appear between three to six months of age, with noticeable difficulties in movement—puppies may stumble and fall when attempting to walk. Additionally, the disease can impair swallowing due to weakness in the esophageal muscles. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CNM.
Raising awareness and ensuring responsible breeding practices are critical to reducing the prevalence of CNM in Labrador Retrievers. Early detection through DNA testing can help breeders make informed decisions, ultimately preventing future generations from suffering.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) in Labrador Retrievers
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) is becoming increasingly common in young adult Labrador Retrievers. This hereditary condition affects dogs across various lines, including field-trial, hunt test, conformation, pet, and service Labradors. It occurs in black, yellow, and chocolate Labradors of both sexes, with their distribution closely mirroring that of the general population.
Symptoms typically emerge between 5 months and 3 years of age, with an average onset at 14 months. In field-trial dogs, this often coincides with the start of intensive training. Littermates and close relatives may also be affected, though their lifestyle and temperament can influence whether they exhibit symptoms. Affected dogs are usually described as highly fit, muscular, and energetic, displaying an excitable temperament and strong drive.
Signs & Progression
While affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate activity, strenuous exercise combined with extreme excitement (typically lasting 5 to 20 minutes) leads to weakness and collapse. Some experience collapse consistently with intense exertion, while others only show symptoms sporadically.
- Initial signs often include a rocking or forced gait.
- The rear limbs weaken first, making it difficult to support weight. Many dogs continue running, dragging their back legs.
- Some display poor coordination, with an unsteady, long stride rather than a typical stiff gait associated with muscle weakness.
- In more severe cases, weakness spreads to the front limbs, occasionally resulting in total immobility.
- Some dogs experience loss of balance and may fall over, especially as they recover.
Despite these alarming symptoms, most affected dogs remain conscious and alert, still attempting to run and retrieve. However, some may appear stunned or disoriented during an episode. Interestingly, symptoms can continue to worsen for several minutes even after exercise stops.
Recovery & Management
Most dogs recover quickly—typically within 5 to 25 minutes—without lasting stiffness, soreness, or limping. Importantly, EIC does not cause pain during or after an episode.
Raising awareness about EIC is essential for responsible Labrador ownership. While there is no cure, managing exercise intensity and excitement levels can significantly reduce the risk of collapse, allowing affected dogs to lead fulfilling lives with appropriate care.
Understanding Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Recessive Disorders
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to impaired vision and, eventually, blindness in affected animals.
Recessive Disorders: EIC, CNM, and PRA
EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse), CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy), and PRA are recessive genetic disorders. For a dog to be affected by any of these conditions, it must inherit a mutated gene from both parents.
- A carrier has one mutated gene and one normal gene. Carriers do not exhibit symptoms but can pass the mutated gene to their offspring.
- A clear dog has two normal copies of the gene and cannot develop the disease.
Responsible Breeding Practices
- Carrier × Carrier breeding should be avoided, as it can result in affected puppies.
- Carrier × Clear breeding is safe and will not produce affected dogs, though some offspring may be carriers.
- Clear × Clear breeding guarantees that all puppies will be completely clear of the disease.
Ensuring responsible breeding practices helps reduce the risk of inherited disorders and promotes healthier generations of Labrador Retrievers.