Health Guide
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Health Problems & Prevention
Common health issues, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever healthy.
Life Expectancy
10-14 years
Common health problems in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Condition % of breed affected
Hip Dysplasia8.2% dysplastic (OFA rank 108)
Elbow Dysplasia2.3% abnormal
Autoimmune Thyroiditis5.1% abnormal
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA)Historical carrier frequency ~15-20%
Collie Eye Anomaly / Choroidal Hypoplasia (CEA/CH)Carrier rate approximately 5-10%
Degenerative Encephalopathy with Sleep Disorders and Caudate Necrosis (DE/DEN)~12% carrier rate, <1% affected
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA / 'Toller Meningitis')Affects ~1.3-8.0% of Tollers
Risk profile
- Cruciate ligament tear
- High
- Vet costs over a lifetime
- High
- Cancer
- Medium
- Heart
- Low
- Neurological
- Medium
High risk of water intoxication (acute hyponatremia) from repetitive submerged ball-biting, and repetitive strain injuries from high-speed fetch stops.
Health tests to ask a breeder for
A responsible Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeder can show results for these tests for both parents.
- OFA or PennHIP Hip Radiographic Evaluation (min age 24 months)
- OFA Elbow Radiographic Evaluation (min age 24 months)
- OFA / CAER Annual Eye Examination by a Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
- DNA panel: prcd-PRA, CEA/CH, JADD, DE, CP1, CLPS, CDDY/IVDD
- OFA Autoimmune Thyroid Panel (FT4D, cTSH, TgAA)
A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever getting older
Senior from about 8 years. Average lifespan: 10.0 - 14.0 years.
- Secondary osteoarthritis
- Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS)
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Chronic renal failure secondary to autoimmune treatment
Mental retrieve obsession often remains undiminished even as physical speed and joint mobility decline.