Collies are intelligent, friendly dogs that make great family pets. They are classified as large dogs, Cory They weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Overall, collies are a relatively healthy breed, but there are a few health conditions that all collie owners should be aware of.
Collie Degenerative Myelopathy
Collies may be carriers Degenerative myelopathyDM is an inherited movement disorder that gradually affects a dog’s leg strength and eventually causes paralysis. Most dogs do not show signs of DM until they reach adulthood, usually around 8 years of age. Early signs of DM include weakness in the hind legs, scrapes on the hind legs, and the dog having difficulty supporting its own weight. Collies with DM will need to rely on a dog wheelchair at the time of diagnosis as paralysis develops.
If your collie shows signs of DM, consult your vet as soon as possible. Regular planned exercise, including rehabilitation therapy, can help slow the progression of the disease, and introducing a wheelchair early can make it easier to keep your collie active.
Dermatomyositis
Collies are genetically at risk for dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease that affects the skin, muscles and blood vessels in dogs. Usually occurring in very young dogs, telltale signs of the disease include visible skin lesions that may crust over, cause partial hair loss and even lead to ulcers. Although a cure is not possible, the condition can usually be managed at home under the medical supervision of a veterinarian. Treatment depends on the severity and in some cases, the lesions will heal on their own over time. If your Collie shows any signs of the disease, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Collie eye problems
This hereditary eye disease primarily affects herding breeds, especially collies and shelties. The disease can lead to abnormal development of the retina, optic nerve, or choroid in a collie’s eye. In the 1960s, over 90% of collies were thought to have CEA. Today, responsible breeders test puppies at 6-8 weeks of age to determine if they have the disease. OFA, The number of collies infected with CEA has fallen to 18.5%, but more than 40% of collies tested are still carriers of the disease.
CEA can cause varying degrees of vision loss and retinal detachment is common, however most collies with collie eye anomaly will only experience mild vision loss and will not become completely blind.
Progressive retinal atrophy
PRA is another eye disease that can affect Collies. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that affects the retina of the eye. Collies are prone to a special form of the disease called red cone dysplasia 2 that occurs only in this breed. This special form of PRA can cause night blindness in young collies just a few weeks after birth and can lead to complete blindness before your collie is a few years old.
Collie Health
Collies are, for the most part, very healthy, and with the right care and treatment, they can live happy, active lives. This playful, active breed makes a great addition to any family.
