Collies are an intelligent, friendly breed of dog that makes an excellent family pet. Classified as a larger dog, Collie can weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and live 12 to 14 years. Overall, Collies are a relatively healthy breed, but there are a few health concerns that all Collie pet parents should be aware of.
Degenerative Myelopathy in Collies
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The Collie breed can carry Degenerative myelopathy. MD is a genetic mobility condition that gradually affects the strength of a dog’s legs and eventually causes paralysis. Most dogs will not show signs of diabetes until they are adults, usually around 8 years of age. Early signs of diabetes include weakening of the hind legs, scratching of the hind legs, and dogs may have difficulty supporting their own weight. Collies with DM will need to resort to a dog wheelchair at some point during their diagnosis because paralysis will occur.
If your collie shows signs of diabetes, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Regular, structured exercise, such as rehabilitation therapy, can help slow the progression of the disease and early introduction of a wheelchair can make it easier to keep your Collie active.
Dermatomyositis
Collies are genetically at risk for dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disease that affects a dog’s skin, muscles and blood vessels. Typically affecting very young dogs, telltale signs of the disease include visible skin lesions, which may be crusty, patchy hair loss, and even cause ulcers. Although not curable, symptoms can usually be treated at home under the medical supervision of a veterinarian. Treatments vary depending on severity, and in some cases the lesions will go away on their own over time. If your Collie shows signs of this condition, seek help from a veterinarian immediately.
Collie eye abnormality
![Collie lies down in the grass](https://www.walkinpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Collie-2.jpg)
This genetic eye disease mainly affects sheepdog breeds, including the Collie and Sheltie. The disease can cause abnormal eye development in the retina, optic nerve, or choroid of a collie’s eye. In the 1960s, it was originally thought that more than 90% of all collies were affected by CEA. Nowadays, responsible breeders test puppies six to eight weeks old to determine if they have this condition. According to OFA, the number of Collies with CEA has fallen to 18.5%, although more than 40% of Collies tested still carry the disease.
CEA can cause varying degrees of vision loss, and retinal detachments are common. However, most Collies with Collie Eye Anomaly experience only minor visual impairment and do not become completely blind.
Progressive retinal atrophy
PRA is another eye disease that can affect the Collie breed. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that affects the retina of the eye. Collies are susceptible to a unique form of disease that only affects this breed called red cone dysplasia 2. This unique form of PRA affects young collies with night blindness as young as just a few weeks old and can lead to complete blindness before the collie is affected. a few years.
Your Collie’s Health
For the most part, the Collie breed is very healthy, and with proper care and treatment, a Collie can live a happy and active life. This active and fun breed makes a great addition to any family.