MHO yes it has to be hereditary. It's an auto immune problem also called juvenile cellulitis and canine pyoderma. An immune malfunction. Anything and everything is hereditary because it comes from the genes. I believe having a greater number affected in a litter means those genes are coming from both sides. I have had one case in all the years I have been breeding. Now it's more common. What I feel now is that I would not use that combination again if the problem is there. We all know our Labradors carry all sorts of things (good and bad) and just a matter of time before it rears it's ugly head.

I am hearing of many same stud dogs where there are multiple litters with juvenile pyoderma- puppy strangles. It is Genetic in many instances. Watch ur bitch line and the stud dog line. Do not be afraid to ask the stud dog owner if there are other cases of it before you breed.

Mine began neurological for weeks then turned into Puppy Strangles at 3 months with my 2 keeping boys. Now to see if they are sterile from the steroids for months.