Eye disease is very common in Golden Retrievers, with most affected by hereditary cataracts at a young age which can cause vision loss. Several types of eye defects exist, such as retinal dysplasia, that prevent breeding. Golden Retrievers should be checked annually for eye disease by a veterinary ophthalmologist using proper equipment. Heart disease is also common, with SAS being the most widespread form. Golden Retrievers should be examined by a veterinary cardiologist for heart disease like murmurs before breeding, as breeding dogs with heart disease can lead to serious or fatal results.