What You Should Know About Maintaining Collie Health

All dog breeds have some type of genetic problem breeders and owners must face at some point in time. Knowing about the genetic problems your dog could possibly have will help you to offer the right treatment options at the appropriate time. If you’re interested in a collie for your next pet, make sure you understand the particulars surrounding collie health.

Most collies have problems with their eyes when they grow older. In fact, some genetic problems might cause blindness if not dealt with early on. One condition you need to discuss with your veterinarian about your new dog is progressive retinal atrophy, often referred to as PRA. PRA results in night blindness in its early stages and restricts day time vision until sight is completely gone. This condition starts early in the life of this particular breed due to abnormal cell development in the retina. Talk about the vision aspects of collie health with your veterinarian for additional details.

Gray Collie Syndrome, GCS, is a genetic slate for those puppies born with it. In this particular condition, puppies are born a light gray color. Remember that all collies have black noses. The light gray pup having a tan or lighter colored nose is a positive for this issue. In fact, the nose color is a diagnostic symptom veterinarians look for when this disorder is an issue. Merle collies have black noses as well.

The pup with GCS typically doesn’t live more than a few weeks. However, there were documented instances of these pups living as much as a couple of years with treatment. Symptoms consist of fever, diarrhea, and joint pain. The pup with GCS is smaller and weaker than other litter mates. It is possible to identify the afflicted puppy very easily because of color and sluggish withdrawal from other litter mates.

While a lot of people think about physical deformities and such when breed genetics is discussed, you need to know that collies have an issue with using some drugs also. As a consequence of a gene called  P-glycoprotein, collies can’t withstand the popular worming medication Ivermectin or anti-diarrhea medications containing loperamide. That is vital information for any person to know who is sitting with your pet or taking care of it when you happen to be gone for an extended time period.

Understanding the particulars of collie health is especially essential if you plan to breed them or when you simply want one as your companion and best friend. Collies are devoted and intelligent dogs that have come down through the generations with a wonderful personality and great disposition. Taking the time to find out all you can about them is well worth it. Before you make the decision to decide on a puppy, make sure you choose the right veterinarian who has knowledge and practical experience with this dog breed. Don’t forget to keep up with all vaccinations and scheduled wellness appointments for catching disease in the early stages.

Do you have a Collie? Be sure to visit Collie Health Guide for tips on Collie health and Collie problems.