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Border Collie Health Concerns
The Border Collie is prone to the following
major health conditions:
Canine Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia
is an abnormal formation of the hip socket
that, in its more severe form, can eventually
cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis
of the joints. It is a polygenic trait,
that is affected by environmental factors
in the production of the final phenotype.
It can be found in many animals and occasionally
in humans, but is most commonly associated
with dogs, and is common in many dog breeds,
particularly the larger breeds.
The Border Collie is prone to the
following minor health conditions:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive
Retinal Atrophy is a group of genetic
diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs
and, more rarely, cats. It is characterized
by the bilateral degeneration of the retina,
causing progressive vision loss culminating
in blindness. The condition in nearly
all breeds is inherited as an autosomal
recessive trait, with the exception of
the Siberian Husky and the Bullmastiff.
There is no treatment.
Lens Luxation - Lens luxation is the
dislocation or displacement of the lens
within the eye.
Collie Eye Anomaly - Collie Eye Anomaly
is a congential, inherited bilaterl eye
diseases involving the retina, choroid
and schlera. It can be a mild disease
or it can cause blindness. There is no
treatment.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus - Patent Ductus
Arteriosus is a congenital disorder in
heart wherein a neonate's ductus arteriosus
fails to close after birth. Early symptoms
are uncommon, but in the first year of
life include increased work of breathing
and poor weight gain. With age, the PDA
may lead to congestive heart failure if
left uncorrected.
Osteochondritis Dissecans - Osteochondritis
Dissecans is a joint disorder in which
cracks form in the articular cartilage
and the underlying subchondral bone. Osteochondritis
Dissecans usually causes pain and swelling
of the affected joint which catches and
locks during movement.
Deafness - Deafness is the inability
to hear in either one or both ears.
Seizures - Seizures manifest as an alteration
in mental state, tonic or clonic movements,
and convulsions.
Hypothyroidisim - Hypothyroidism is a
condition in which the thyroid gland does
not make enough thyroid hormone. Early
symptoms: Being more sensitive to cold;
Constipation; Depression; Fatigue or feeling
slowed down.
The Border Collie occasionally has
problems with the following health conditions:
Cerebellar Abiotrophy - Cerebellar Abiotrophy
is the degeneration of the brain neurons
in the cerebellum, resulting in progressively
worsening incoordination. This is caused
by a recessive gene.
Compulsive Behavior.
About the Author:
Logan Winters is a long time dog lover,
owner and trainer from Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net
. Dog Pound contains educational articles
and gifts for Dog Lovers. Logan also occasionally
guest writes for Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net.
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