5 Common Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Concerns

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers—affectionately called Chessies—are powerful, loyal, and affectionate dogs with endless energy. Originally bred to retrieve ducks from the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, this breed is known for its athletic build, intelligence, and determination. They make devoted family companions and thrive in active households that enjoy outdoor adventures.

If you’re thinking about welcoming a Chesapeake Bay Retriever into your life, it’s better to learn about the health conditions this breed is most prone to. Understanding what to watch for means you can help your future dog live a long, comfortable, and active life.

Below are five of the most common Chesapeake Bay Retriever health concerns, what causes them, how they’re managed, and what you can do to keep your pup feeling their best.

Hip Dysplasia

Like many large and athletic breeds, Chessies are predisposed to canine hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t align correctly with its socket. Over time, this misalignment causes friction, inflammation, and eventually arthritis.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty standing up or climbing stairs
• Limping or stiffness after exercise
• Reduced activity or reluctance to play
• Bunny-hopping gait when running

The condition can progress slowly, so it’s best to have your veterinarian examine any mobility issues early.

Treatment depends on the severity. Some dogs respond well to weight management, gentle exercise, and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin. Physical therapy or hydrotherapy can also help maintain flexibility. In more advanced cases, surgical correction may be necessary.

Bloat in Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Bloat—medically known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)—is a serious condition that can develop quickly in deep-chested breeds like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, preventing blood flow and trapping air.

This is a medical emergency. If your dog ever shows a swollen belly, tries to vomit without bringing anything up, drools excessively, or appears anxious and restless, you should get to a veterinary hospital immediately.

While not entirely preventable, there are ways to lower your Chessie’s risk:

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large serving.
• Avoid vigorous exercise right before or after eating.
• Use a slow-feeder bowl to reduce rapid food gulping.

Some owners also discuss preventive gastropexy surgery with their veterinarians, especially for dogs at higher risk.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is another condition that occasionally affects Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It develops when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism.

Dogs with this condition often seem tired or gain weight despite eating the same amount of food. You might notice their coat becoming dry or patchy, or that they shed more than usual. 

Symptoms to look for:

• Weight gain despite everyday eating habits
• Hair thinning or dull coat
• Lethargy or low energy
• Increased shedding
• Skin infections or darkened skin

This disease is diagnosed through a simple blood test. While hypothyroidism can’t be cured, it can be easily managed with daily thyroid hormone medication. Most dogs go on to live completely everyday lives with consistent care.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

Chessie puppies that grow too fast or over-exercise at a young age can develop osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a developmental joint disorder. It occurs when the cartilage in a joint doesn’t form properly, leading to pain and stiffness, most often in the shoulders, elbows, or knees.

Risk factors include:

• Rapid growth during puppyhood
• High-calorie diets
• Excessive exercise at a young age

Many puppies with mild OCD improve with rest and a carefully balanced diet that supports slow, steady growth. Your veterinarian may also recommend restricted activity or pain medication. Severe cases, however, can require surgery to remove or repair damaged cartilage.

Responsible breeding and proper nutrition during the puppy months play a big role in prevention.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

The last primary concern for this breed is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss. 

Early signs include:

• Night blindness or hesitance in low light
• Dilated pupils or cloudy eyes
• Bumping into furniture

While there’s no cure for PRA, affected dogs typically adapt remarkably well to their environment, relying on their hearing and smell to navigate. 

Choosing a reputable breeder who screens for PRA is the most effective way to reduce the risk. Always ask for genetic health clearances before bringing home your puppy.

The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies in Canine Health

As veterinary medicine advances, new treatment options are being explored for conditions that can affect Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

At Gallant, we are developing ready-to-use mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies designed to work with the body’s natural repair processes. These therapies use stem cells that are being studied for their ability to help modulate inflammation, support tissue healing, and improve comfort in dogs with chronic conditions.

Because they target underlying biological processes rather than just symptoms, MSC therapies represent a promising area of research for dogs facing diseases like osteoarthritis or atopic dermatitis.