Border Collie Health

What is CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly)?

CEA mostly affects Collies, but does also affect Border Collies as well as other Collie breeds. It can be one of the most serious genetic diseases found in dogs if the case is serious enough. It is caused by recessive genes the parents may be carrying. A dog with a mild case of CEA can produce totally blind puppies.

An exciting new development enables Border Collie breeders to test for CEA through a blood test. This test will determine whether the dog is CEA Normal (the dog will never have CEA), Carrier (the dog will never have CEA, but could pass it on to puppies), or Affected (the dog will develop CEA, and will pass it on to its puppies). A Normal dog can be bred to any other dog, regardless of status, and never produce a puppy with CEA. A Carrier or Affected dog can be bred to a Normal, and never produce an Affected puppy, but all puppies from a resulting litter must be tested to find the Carriers. Any breeding should be done with knowledge and information.

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What is HD (Hip Dysplasia)?

HD is an inherited disease that is common in many large dogs including the Border Collie. It affects the hip’s ball and socket joint, it is caused when the two joints don’t fit together properly. Some cases of HD are manageable with a proper diet and the aid of a veterinarian. A dog can be tested for HD at around 2 years of age, although severe cases can be spotted earlier. A responsible breeder with give you a copy of both of the parents Orthopedic Foundation for Animal (OFA) certificates.

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What is CL (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis)?

CL is an inherited disease associated with the progressive accumulation of pigments similar to lipofuscin and ceroid in the brain. It is a lipid storage disease seen in humans as well as many dog breeds. In young dogs, the disease presents itself as confusion, unpredictability and an inability to walk and see properly, and it is often fatal.

A DNA test has been developed to determine which dogs are affected by or carry the gene for CL. Dogs can be determined Clear (the dog will never develop CL, or pass the gene on), Carrier (the dog will never develop CL, but will pass the gene on), or Affected (the dog will develop CL, and will pass the gene on). With this information, breeders can make more informed breeding decisions. Many breeders feel it is necessary to eliminate the disease rather than just produce unaffected puppies. This means taking Carriers and Affected dogs out of the breeding population.

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What is OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)?

OCD is also an inherited disease that becomes evident between six and twelve months of age. It can be detected with an Xray machine. In mild cases rest and limited activity will facilitate healing. OCD is associated with the abnormal growth of the joint cartilage. In severe case of OCD surgery may be required.

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What is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)?

PRA is a blinding disorder, a disease of the retina. It has been long recognized, and has been proven to be hereditary. Affected dogs generally lose their nighttime vision first, because their ability to adjust their eyes is deteriorated. As the disease progresses, daytime vision is also lost. The eye of a dog affected with PRA will have a “shine” to it, and the lens may appear cloudy or opaque, causing a cataract. These features are common in all breeds, but the rate of progression is much higher in certain breeds.

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What is TNS (Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome)?

TNS is a disease of the immune system, and most commonly leads to death before the puppy reaches a year of age.  It is caused by an inability to release neutrophils, the most common type of white blood cell which plays a huge role in immunity.  The neutrophil’s role is to internalize and digest microbes, and it is the first line of defense in the immune system.  Without neutrophils, the puppy is unable to combat even the most basic of pathogens.  The disease is difficult to detect, because the symptoms and age of onset depend on what infection they fall prone to.  A DNA test is now available to test for carriers of the gene.  Finding affected dogs in the gene pool would be rare, as they do not generally live to reproductive age.  By avoiding carrier to carrier breedings, a breeder can insure that they do not produce affected puppies.

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