Tips For Ensuring Good Collie Health
27 Jan 2012
All dog breeds have some type of genetic problem breeders and owners have to face at some point. Being aware of the genetic problems your dog could possibly have can help you to offer the appropriate treatment options at the appropriate time. If you’re thinking about a collie for your next pet, make sure you are aware of the specifics surrounding collie health.
Most collies have problems with their eyes when they grow older. In fact, some genetic problems could cause blindness when they are not cared for in early stages. One particular condition you should talk about with your vet concerning your new dog is progressive retinal atrophy, often known as PRA. PRA causes night blindness during its early stages and limits day time vision right up until sight is gone. This condition begins early in the life of this particular breed as a consequence of abnormal cell development in the retina. Talk over the vision factors of collie health with your vet for a lot more information.
Gray Collie Syndrome, GCS, is a genetic slate for all those puppies born with it. In this particular disorder, puppies are born a light gray color. Bear in mind that all collies have black noses. The light gray pup with a tan or lighter colored nose is a positive for this particular syndrome. In reality, the nose color will be a diagnostic symptom veterinarians look for any time this condition is an issue. Merle collies have black noses as well.
The pup with GCS generally does not live for more than a few weeks. Nonetheless, there were documented instances of these puppies living as much as a couple of years with treatment. Symptoms consist of fever, diarrhea, and joint discomfort. The pup with GCS is smaller and much weaker when compared with other litter mates. It is possible to pick out the affected pup easily through color and lethargic withdrawal from litter mates.
Despite the fact that most people think of physical deformities and such whenever breed genetics is mentioned, you’ll want to understand that collies have a problem with taking certain drugs as well. Due to a gene referred to as P-glycoprotein, collies can’t tolerate the common worming medication Ivermectin or anti-diarrhea drugs containing loperamide. This is critical information for any person to be aware of who is sitting with your dog or looking after it while you are away for an extended time period.
Learning the specifics of collie health is particularly crucial if you plan to breed them or if you simply want one as your companion and very best friend. Collies are loyal and intelligent dogs that have come down throughout the generations with a wonderful personality and awesome temperament. Making the effort to learn all you can about them is really worth it. Before you come to the decision to select a pup, make sure you select an appropriate vet that has knowledge and experience with this dog breed. Don’t forget to keep up with all vaccinations and scheduled wellness appointments for the purpose of catching disease early on.
Do you have a Collie? Be sure to visit Collie Health Guide for tips on Collie obedience training and information on dog training online with Dove Cresswell.
