HEALTH & GENETIC DISEASES
In general border collies are a healthy breed and conform to a natural build,
without exaggerations.
However, owing to the border collie’s natural vivacity,
accidents can and do happen which impacts negatively on their health.
For this reason, do not allow your pup to overtire, overface or overexert himself as it can lead to long-term damage, both physically and mentally.
without exaggerations.
However, owing to the border collie’s natural vivacity,
accidents can and do happen which impacts negatively on their health.
For this reason, do not allow your pup to overtire, overface or overexert himself as it can lead to long-term damage, both physically and mentally.
Inoculations: It is VERY important that your pup receives his first vaccinations between 6 & 7 weeks, prior to your taking him home. The vaccination protocol followed in South Africa differs from province to province, and also depends on the pup’s expected lifestyle and whether he lives in an urban or rural area. It is important to complete the initial inoculation program, as prescribed by your vet.
Thereafter inoculate annually.
The main infectious diseases affecting dogs and their symptoms are:
1. Parvovirus (Cat Flu) - characterised by diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, depression, death (especially in young pups).
2. Canine Distemper - eye or nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, muscle twitches, skin abnormalities, death.
3. Parainfluenza (Adenovirus 2) - Mild fever, nose discharge, coughing.
4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus 1) - Loss of appetite, fever, jaundice, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing, severe depression, abdominal pain.
5. Leptospirosis - Depression, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite, muscular stiffness, vomiting.
6. Bordatella (Kennel Cough) - Coughing, gagging, retching, fever.
7. Coronavirus - Diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, depression.
8. Rabies - Abnormal behaviour, dropped lower jaw, excess salivation, incoordination.
Some of these diseases are transmitted to man (zoonoses). There are vaccines available for all these diseases, your vet will know which is best for you puppy. Please ensure that your pet is inoculated.
Thereafter inoculate annually.
The main infectious diseases affecting dogs and their symptoms are:
1. Parvovirus (Cat Flu) - characterised by diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, depression, death (especially in young pups).
2. Canine Distemper - eye or nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, muscle twitches, skin abnormalities, death.
3. Parainfluenza (Adenovirus 2) - Mild fever, nose discharge, coughing.
4. Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus 1) - Loss of appetite, fever, jaundice, diarrhoea, vomiting, coughing, severe depression, abdominal pain.
5. Leptospirosis - Depression, fever, dehydration, loss of appetite, muscular stiffness, vomiting.
6. Bordatella (Kennel Cough) - Coughing, gagging, retching, fever.
7. Coronavirus - Diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, fever, loss of appetite, depression.
8. Rabies - Abnormal behaviour, dropped lower jaw, excess salivation, incoordination.
Some of these diseases are transmitted to man (zoonoses). There are vaccines available for all these diseases, your vet will know which is best for you puppy. Please ensure that your pet is inoculated.
Ticks & Fleas: Do not allow your border to become infested with fleas and ticks. This is an unending battle we wage against these little pests and there is a massive array of products available to combat them. Fleas carry tapeworm, so a dog with fleas is likely to have tapeworm too. Ticks carry deadly diseases such as biliary and rickettsia, causing the so-called 'tickbite fever' (bosluiskoors). Do not underestimate the seriousness of biliary, a dog can die within 24hours. Be aware of any change in behaviour or appetite and if at all concerned a visit to the vet is imperative. Tick and flea bites are not limited to dogs, they can bite you with some very nasty side effects, ask anyone that has had tickbite fever.
Deworming should be done every 2 weeks between the ages of 2 weeks and 8 weeks, thereafter every 4 weeks, up to 16 weeks of age. For the rest of the dogs life, he should be dewormed every 3 to 4 months. For his sake and for the sake of your family’s health. Of special note here, is the recent prevalence of the nematode “spirocerca lupi”. To rid your dog of the Spirocerca worm, requires the use of ivermectin or its derivatives, a medication which can be deadly to border collies. Liaise closely with your vet, who will need to do a DNA test for the MDR1 gene before recommending a plan of action.
See Below:
Deworming should be done every 2 weeks between the ages of 2 weeks and 8 weeks, thereafter every 4 weeks, up to 16 weeks of age. For the rest of the dogs life, he should be dewormed every 3 to 4 months. For his sake and for the sake of your family’s health. Of special note here, is the recent prevalence of the nematode “spirocerca lupi”. To rid your dog of the Spirocerca worm, requires the use of ivermectin or its derivatives, a medication which can be deadly to border collies. Liaise closely with your vet, who will need to do a DNA test for the MDR1 gene before recommending a plan of action.
See Below:
DONT LET YOUR DOG EAT VELDT SMARTIES!
It must be fairly obvious that not only does it produce a foul breath in your best friend, it is a great source of worms, like tape worms and round worms, and other infectious organisms such as coccidiosis, spirocerca lupi and even giaridia. Add into this mixture the various moulds and fungi that delight in growing on these warm, moist mounds, which can cause a very nasty bout of diarrhoea. And then imagine that the animal that produced the poop was ill, possibly with some kind of infectious disease….
We all know that dogs love eating the grossest of things…. Convinced? But there is possibly something else lurking in there, something insidious, and very dangerous, that will absolutely convince you. IVOMEC. Ivomec (and all the derivatives) is a dewormer that is widely used in livestock production. The problem is that Ivomec is then excreted in very high concentrations up to 4 days after treatment and up to 14 days in lower concentrations. The amount excreted is potentially lethal to ANY dog as the quantity far exceeds the recommended dosage for a dog, regardless of its MDR1 status. Obviously the more faeces eaten, the more recent the deworming, and the smaller the dog, the worse the reaction will be. And if the dog happens to be MDR1 Mutant/Mutant, he is on death row. So what is the MDR1 Gene? The MDR1 Gene is responsible for ensuring that the body’s natural P-Glycoprotein functions normally by protecting the body from toxins. In MDR1 Mutant dogs (MM) and carriers (MN) to a lesser degree, the function is compromised and toxins (from the environment and from administered drugs) cannot be removed from the brain and body, resulting in poisoning and neurological symptoms ranging from tremors, anorexia and excess salivation to blindness, coma and death. Researchers have identified that the condition is owing to a mutation in the so-called Multi-Drug Resistance Gene (MDR1). The degree to which an animal experiences toxicity varies, depending on its genetic makeup: Normal/Normal (+/+): These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring. These dogs would not be expected to experience adverse drug reactions if dosed at the prescribed amount. Mutant/Mutant (-/-): These dogs carry 2 Mutant genes and will pass on the mutant gene to their offspring. These dogs will experience toxicity. Be very careful! Administration of any drug must be done under the supervision of your vet. Mutant/Normal: These dogs carry 1 Mutant gene and may pass on the mutant gene to their offspring. These dogs may experience toxicity, even if dosed at the prescribed amount. The vet may advise dosing at a fraction of the quantity or find an alternative if possible. A few surprising facts have emerged since the DNA test has become available: |
The condition is NOT limited to Herding breeds, but includes Longhaired Whippets and Silken Windhounds, as well as Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Rough & Smooth Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Old English Sheepdogs, GSDs, White Swiss Shepherds, and related pure and mixed breeds. According to the Washington State University which has been doing the MDR1 testing for many years, Rough Collies have the highest incidence of Mutants (70%), followed by Australian Shepherds (50%). The border collie estimate is less than 1%. But do not assume that your dog is ‘safe’ because one or even some of the drugs listed below have been administered with no reaction – the toxicity level is cumulative and continued usage may indeed trigger a reaction.
If you are unsure, and you are worried, get your dog tested for the MDR1 gene. And never, ever allow your dog; no matter if it is an at-risk breed or not; whether is it MDR1 Normal, Carrier or Mutant; to eat poop. Below is a list of known problem drugs: Do not use in dogs with an MDR1 defect: Ivermectine substances (anti parasites): (Diapec®, Ecomectin®, Equimax®, Eqvalan®, Ivomec®, Noromectin®, Paramectin®, Qualimec®, Sumex®, Virbamec®) Doramectine substances (anti parasites): (Dectomax®) Loperamide substances (anti diarrheal): (Imodium®) Moxidectine substances (anti Parasites): (Cydectin®, Equest®); (Flagyl) Only under close control of veterinarian: Cytostatics (Chemotherapy): (Vinblastine, Vincristine, Doxorubicine, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Methotrexat, Vincristine) Immunosuppressive (Cyclosporine A) Heart glycosides (Digoxine, Methyldigoxine) Opioids (Morphium) Antiarrhythmics (Verapamil, Diltiazem, Chinidine) Antiemetics (Ondansetron, Domperidon, Metoclopramide) Antibiotics (Sparfloxacin, Grepafloxacin, Erythromycin) Antihistamin (Ebastin) Glucocorticoid (Dexamethason) Acepromazine (tranquilizer and pre-anesthetic agent)* Butorphanol (analgesic and pre-anesthetic agent)* Other drugs: Etoposide, Mitoxantrone, Ondansetron, Paclitaxel, Rifampicin Need to watch the dosage: Selamectin (Stronghold®), Milbemax® and Advocate®. * In dogs with the MDR1 mutation, acepromazine (ACP) and butorphanol tend to cause more profound and prolonged sedation in dogs . It is recommended to reduce the dose by 25% in carriers of the MDR1 defect and by 30-50% in dogs affected by the MDR1 defect. © Venron Border Collies |
GENETIC HEALTH
Unfortunately in keeping with most breeds of dogs, border collies are affected by genetic diseases.
In recent times, as technology has improved, more genetic diseases have been detected and the causitive genes have been identified.
Responsible breeders try hard to eradicate these diseases from their lines or at least minimise their effect.
This is a brief look at the latest (2020) diseases known to affect border collies.
In recent times, as technology has improved, more genetic diseases have been detected and the causitive genes have been identified.
Responsible breeders try hard to eradicate these diseases from their lines or at least minimise their effect.
This is a brief look at the latest (2020) diseases known to affect border collies.
Although Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED) are not strictly speaking inherited or of genetic origin, there is possibly a predisposing genetic element which causes some dogs to be affected. Recent studies have found that all puppies (regardless of breed) are born with perfectly normal hips, but that it is poor animal husbandry techniques that do the damage. Environmental factors, such as inappropriate feeding (additives and supplements); repetitive slipping and sliding on floors; excessive exercise (running, jumping at a young age); excessive weight, especially while young and accidents lead to most joint problems.
These 2 diseases are related to each other in that they are degenerative diseases affecting the hip and/or elbow joints. It is doubtful that a genetic test will ever be available to identify dogs at risk, as there are too many interactions between various genes controlling the rate of growth, growth plate closure, strength and elasticity of muscles, ligaments, joints, growth of cartilage, weight gain, activity level of each dog. At present, HD and ED cannot be predicted in a pup. The best we can do is X-ray both parents and only breed from those dogs with an acceptable score. Even then there is never a guarantee that your pup will not have HD or ED, but a pup from tested lines is less likely to be dysplastic. Puppy owners are encouraged to take great care of their puppies' joints. In South Africa prior to 2007, we used a 5 point scoring system for HD, where 0-0 (Left-Right) was the best possible score and 4-4 the worst. Now we use the FCI scoring system, where A1, A2, B1 are all equivalent to our old 0-0 score. The ED scoring system remains unchanged and is the one used throughout the world.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): This is a disorder of cartilage formation within the joints, generally affecting the shoulder, elbow or hock. Like HD, OCD is thought to be polygenetic, with other factors such as trauma, rapid growth rates, increased weight, inappropriate nutrition and excessive activity all considered to contribute to the disease.
OCD cannot be predicted in pups, however the risk is minimised by not breeding from affected parents.
Puppy owners can further reduce the risk of HD, ED, OCD by practising good animal husbandry:
1. Do not allow the pup to become overweight.
2. Do not subject young growing joints to repetitive hard exercise, especially running and twisting on hard surfaces.
3. Take care with pup’s nutrition.
4. Do not allow the pup to run up and down stairs, jump on and off a bed, chair or vehicle.
A young puppy cannot be tested for HD/ED/OCD. The only way to identify these diseases is by means of an x-ray, but certification can only be done over the age of 1 year.
It is for these reasons that we suggest that you do not allow your young pup to play long and wild games that involve a lot of running and jumping, while the ligaments and bones are still in the growth phase. Even agility training should not be done under 18 months of age, especially the weave poles and the jumps. The concept of jumping can be taught, as can the discipline and the methodology. Even sheepherding is not introduced until such time as the pup is capable of outrunning an ewe in top gear, around about 5 - 6 months and even then only a few minutes are allowed in one session.
These 2 diseases are related to each other in that they are degenerative diseases affecting the hip and/or elbow joints. It is doubtful that a genetic test will ever be available to identify dogs at risk, as there are too many interactions between various genes controlling the rate of growth, growth plate closure, strength and elasticity of muscles, ligaments, joints, growth of cartilage, weight gain, activity level of each dog. At present, HD and ED cannot be predicted in a pup. The best we can do is X-ray both parents and only breed from those dogs with an acceptable score. Even then there is never a guarantee that your pup will not have HD or ED, but a pup from tested lines is less likely to be dysplastic. Puppy owners are encouraged to take great care of their puppies' joints. In South Africa prior to 2007, we used a 5 point scoring system for HD, where 0-0 (Left-Right) was the best possible score and 4-4 the worst. Now we use the FCI scoring system, where A1, A2, B1 are all equivalent to our old 0-0 score. The ED scoring system remains unchanged and is the one used throughout the world.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): This is a disorder of cartilage formation within the joints, generally affecting the shoulder, elbow or hock. Like HD, OCD is thought to be polygenetic, with other factors such as trauma, rapid growth rates, increased weight, inappropriate nutrition and excessive activity all considered to contribute to the disease.
OCD cannot be predicted in pups, however the risk is minimised by not breeding from affected parents.
Puppy owners can further reduce the risk of HD, ED, OCD by practising good animal husbandry:
1. Do not allow the pup to become overweight.
2. Do not subject young growing joints to repetitive hard exercise, especially running and twisting on hard surfaces.
3. Take care with pup’s nutrition.
4. Do not allow the pup to run up and down stairs, jump on and off a bed, chair or vehicle.
A young puppy cannot be tested for HD/ED/OCD. The only way to identify these diseases is by means of an x-ray, but certification can only be done over the age of 1 year.
It is for these reasons that we suggest that you do not allow your young pup to play long and wild games that involve a lot of running and jumping, while the ligaments and bones are still in the growth phase. Even agility training should not be done under 18 months of age, especially the weave poles and the jumps. The concept of jumping can be taught, as can the discipline and the methodology. Even sheepherding is not introduced until such time as the pup is capable of outrunning an ewe in top gear, around about 5 - 6 months and even then only a few minutes are allowed in one session.
GENETIC TESTING
In 2005 the first DNA test for a genetic disease became available for Border Collies. Since then new tests have been rolled out with alarming regularity!
Genetic research continually identifies new mutations underlying inherited disorders. Some diseases are life threatening, while others may at worst be considered an 'inconvenience'.
Most of the diseases have been found to have an 'autosomal recessive mode of inheritance',
which means that an individual has to inherit two abnormal genes,
one from each parent to be affected.
A carrier has one abnormal gene (recessive gene)
and one normal gene (dominant gene).
It is important to know that a carrier of most of these diseases will live a totally normal, healthy life.
In actual fact it is recommended by various breed clubs and societies that carriers of some of these diseases are not excluded from the genepool
as that would unneccessarily reduce the breed's genetic diversity.
The diseases listed below all have a DNA test available,
Not neccessarily in South Africa.
Genetic research continually identifies new mutations underlying inherited disorders. Some diseases are life threatening, while others may at worst be considered an 'inconvenience'.
Most of the diseases have been found to have an 'autosomal recessive mode of inheritance',
which means that an individual has to inherit two abnormal genes,
one from each parent to be affected.
A carrier has one abnormal gene (recessive gene)
and one normal gene (dominant gene).
It is important to know that a carrier of most of these diseases will live a totally normal, healthy life.
In actual fact it is recommended by various breed clubs and societies that carriers of some of these diseases are not excluded from the genepool
as that would unneccessarily reduce the breed's genetic diversity.
The diseases listed below all have a DNA test available,
Not neccessarily in South Africa.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): This is a recessively inherited congenital eye disease affecting numerous dog breeds, causing blindness or at least partial sight. As this is a recessively inherited disease, there are affected, carrier and normal dogs within the genepool. Both parents have to be carriers or affected to produce the disease (autosomal mode of inheritance). An ophthalmic vet can physically examine the puppies' eyes between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks to identify the affected and unaffected pups in a litter, but he cannot identify the carriers. In 2005 a DNA test was devised which also identified the carrier dogs, irrespective of age, which has greatly reduced the risk of producing a CEA affected pup. It is important to know that a CEA carrier will live a perfectly normal, healthy life and will never show symptoms of CEA. A CEA carrier can be safely bred to a DNA tested “Normal” (clear) dog, to produce either Normal (clear) or Carrier pups. Around 20% Carrier; 1% Affected.
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL): This is a type of lethal storage disease affecting border collies—there is no cure or treatment. No affected dog has lived over the age of 3 years, but generally symptoms are noticed by about 15 months. The waste product Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is stored in the body, including the brain, instead of being excreted, damaging the brain cells. The following symptoms have been noted: demented behaviour, mania, hyperactivity, rage, disorientation, sight disturbance, abnormal gait, loss of balance. Although the disease was first identified in Australia, it is not limited to that country. It is an autosomal recessively inherited disease, which means that once again we have carriers, affecteds and normals (clears) within the genepool. A DNA test is available to identify the carriers, enabling the breeders to avoid producing this deadly disease. About 1% Carriers; <1% Affected.
Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS): This is another autosomal recessively inherited disease that affects the immune system. The young pup is susceptible to any illness, often culminating in a massive reaction to their first vaccination. It is a fatal disease. A DNA test is available to identify the carriers. Generally pups die in the nest before going to their new homes or soon afterwards. Around 10% Carriers; 1% Affected. Affected pups do not survive to adulthood.
Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome (IGS) or Selective Cobalamin Malabsorbtion is an inability to absorb and utilise Vitamin B12. It is a monogenetic, autosomal recessive disorder, however it has been noted that even carriers of the disease can be slightly affected (Incomplete Dominance). Typical symptoms include anemia, intermittent diarrhea, inappetence, anorexia, poor body condition and failure to grow. All dogs diagnosed with IGS have had very low serum levels of Vitamin B12. Regular injections of B12 are required to maintain these animals. There is a DNA test available to identify carriers and affected dogs. 6.5% Carriers; <1% Affected.
Multi Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1): The MDR gene refers to a mutation which causes sensitivity to certain drugs and medications, such as Ivermectin, Loperamide (Imodium), certain cancer drugs and some anaesthetics. Dogs with the mutated gene cannot flush the toxins out of the body, as quickly as a normal dog's, resulting in illness or even death. This is another disease in which even carriers (dogs with 1 mutant gene) are at risk (Incomplete Dominance), although not as intensely as an MDR1 Affected Dog (homozygous or having 2 mutant genes). Although the mutation seems to be prevalent in Rough Collies ('Lassie type collie'), it does not appear to be widespread in border collies, with an estimated <1% Affected & <1% Carrier rate.
Predisposition to Goniodysgenesis & Glaucoma (BCG): In recent times, glaucoma, specifically Narrow-angled Glaucoma, an ocular disorder has been of concern. A DNA test has been developed, which identifies carriers of the disease, but controversy surrounds the effectiveness of the test. However, as it is the only and best test we have, any conscientous breeder would be unwise to omit doing it. The consequences of producing an affected dog is too awful to contemplate, with many dogs having lost 1 or even both eyes. It is thought that it is an autosomal recessive gene, but there seems to be additional factors at play as well. More research is required. About 4% Carrier rate; <1% Affected.
An ophthalmic vet can do a physical examination - a gonioscopy test measures the drainage angles and the thickness of the pectinate ligament, but a clinical test can only identify an affected dog. There is no way to differentiate between a carrier or a clear or even if it is primary glaucoma or secondary glaucoma.
Any physical, clinical eye test should be repeated anually.
Raine Syndrome or Canine Dental Hypomineralisation (RS): This is a genetic dental disorder causing abnormal mineralisation of the teeth during development, leading to severe tooth wear, pulpits and the eventual extraction of teeth. A DNA test has recently become available in this country. About <2% Carrier rate; <1% Affected.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, this is a neurological disorder found in many breeds. More research is required to establish if all dogs carrying 2 mutant genes will develp clinical signs. <1% Carrier & <1% Affected.
Sensory Neuropathy (SN): A rare severe neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells. Clinical signs emerge in puppyhood, affected dogs have proprioceptive defects and harm them themselves due to lack of pain sensation. An autosomal recessive manner of inheritance. Figures vary between 2 - 10% Carriers, 1% Affected. Affected pups do not survive to adulthood.
Early Adult Onset Deafness (EAOD): This is an autosomal recessive hearing disease which has only been identified fairly recently. It is alarmingly quite comon in Border Collies (around 34% carrier rate; nearly 5% at risk). At present the only lab in the world that can test for it is in Finland...
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA): Thought to be a recessively inherited disease that affects Kelpies and certain lines of Border Collies. It develops when the neurons known as Purkinje cells located in the cerebellum begin to die off, which affects the pup's balance, coordination and leading to an ungainly gait with head tremor/bobbing. A DNA test has just been released in Sydney, Australia. In the meantime, it is advisable not to breed from affected dogs or close relatives. Beware anyone involved in a Kelpie x Border Collie breeding program.
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL): This is a type of lethal storage disease affecting border collies—there is no cure or treatment. No affected dog has lived over the age of 3 years, but generally symptoms are noticed by about 15 months. The waste product Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is stored in the body, including the brain, instead of being excreted, damaging the brain cells. The following symptoms have been noted: demented behaviour, mania, hyperactivity, rage, disorientation, sight disturbance, abnormal gait, loss of balance. Although the disease was first identified in Australia, it is not limited to that country. It is an autosomal recessively inherited disease, which means that once again we have carriers, affecteds and normals (clears) within the genepool. A DNA test is available to identify the carriers, enabling the breeders to avoid producing this deadly disease. About 1% Carriers; <1% Affected.
Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS): This is another autosomal recessively inherited disease that affects the immune system. The young pup is susceptible to any illness, often culminating in a massive reaction to their first vaccination. It is a fatal disease. A DNA test is available to identify the carriers. Generally pups die in the nest before going to their new homes or soon afterwards. Around 10% Carriers; 1% Affected. Affected pups do not survive to adulthood.
Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome (IGS) or Selective Cobalamin Malabsorbtion is an inability to absorb and utilise Vitamin B12. It is a monogenetic, autosomal recessive disorder, however it has been noted that even carriers of the disease can be slightly affected (Incomplete Dominance). Typical symptoms include anemia, intermittent diarrhea, inappetence, anorexia, poor body condition and failure to grow. All dogs diagnosed with IGS have had very low serum levels of Vitamin B12. Regular injections of B12 are required to maintain these animals. There is a DNA test available to identify carriers and affected dogs. 6.5% Carriers; <1% Affected.
Multi Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1): The MDR gene refers to a mutation which causes sensitivity to certain drugs and medications, such as Ivermectin, Loperamide (Imodium), certain cancer drugs and some anaesthetics. Dogs with the mutated gene cannot flush the toxins out of the body, as quickly as a normal dog's, resulting in illness or even death. This is another disease in which even carriers (dogs with 1 mutant gene) are at risk (Incomplete Dominance), although not as intensely as an MDR1 Affected Dog (homozygous or having 2 mutant genes). Although the mutation seems to be prevalent in Rough Collies ('Lassie type collie'), it does not appear to be widespread in border collies, with an estimated <1% Affected & <1% Carrier rate.
Predisposition to Goniodysgenesis & Glaucoma (BCG): In recent times, glaucoma, specifically Narrow-angled Glaucoma, an ocular disorder has been of concern. A DNA test has been developed, which identifies carriers of the disease, but controversy surrounds the effectiveness of the test. However, as it is the only and best test we have, any conscientous breeder would be unwise to omit doing it. The consequences of producing an affected dog is too awful to contemplate, with many dogs having lost 1 or even both eyes. It is thought that it is an autosomal recessive gene, but there seems to be additional factors at play as well. More research is required. About 4% Carrier rate; <1% Affected.
An ophthalmic vet can do a physical examination - a gonioscopy test measures the drainage angles and the thickness of the pectinate ligament, but a clinical test can only identify an affected dog. There is no way to differentiate between a carrier or a clear or even if it is primary glaucoma or secondary glaucoma.
Any physical, clinical eye test should be repeated anually.
Raine Syndrome or Canine Dental Hypomineralisation (RS): This is a genetic dental disorder causing abnormal mineralisation of the teeth during development, leading to severe tooth wear, pulpits and the eventual extraction of teeth. A DNA test has recently become available in this country. About <2% Carrier rate; <1% Affected.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): An autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, this is a neurological disorder found in many breeds. More research is required to establish if all dogs carrying 2 mutant genes will develp clinical signs. <1% Carrier & <1% Affected.
Sensory Neuropathy (SN): A rare severe neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells. Clinical signs emerge in puppyhood, affected dogs have proprioceptive defects and harm them themselves due to lack of pain sensation. An autosomal recessive manner of inheritance. Figures vary between 2 - 10% Carriers, 1% Affected. Affected pups do not survive to adulthood.
Early Adult Onset Deafness (EAOD): This is an autosomal recessive hearing disease which has only been identified fairly recently. It is alarmingly quite comon in Border Collies (around 34% carrier rate; nearly 5% at risk). At present the only lab in the world that can test for it is in Finland...
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA): Thought to be a recessively inherited disease that affects Kelpies and certain lines of Border Collies. It develops when the neurons known as Purkinje cells located in the cerebellum begin to die off, which affects the pup's balance, coordination and leading to an ungainly gait with head tremor/bobbing. A DNA test has just been released in Sydney, Australia. In the meantime, it is advisable not to breed from affected dogs or close relatives. Beware anyone involved in a Kelpie x Border Collie breeding program.
International Laboratories are now offering a 'panel' of tests for individual breeds. The concept has been a poweful discovery platform in identifying disorders that may be cause for concern in the future. Two such diseases are:
Cystinuria Type 11A: High concentrations of the amino acid cystine is unable to be re-absorbed and is concentrated in the urinary tract. An Autosomal Dominant mode of inheritance.
Myotonia Congenita: A congenital muscular disorder. It is characterised by stiff movements and delayed muscular relaxation after exercise. An Autosomal Recessive trait.
Cystinuria Type 11A: High concentrations of the amino acid cystine is unable to be re-absorbed and is concentrated in the urinary tract. An Autosomal Dominant mode of inheritance.
Myotonia Congenita: A congenital muscular disorder. It is characterised by stiff movements and delayed muscular relaxation after exercise. An Autosomal Recessive trait.
At present the following diseases are documented in border collies but there is No DNA test available yet.
Border Collie Collapse (BCC): is an episodic nervous system disorder that is triggered by exercise. It has been observed in dogs used for working stock, at agility, flyball competitions, or simply going for a walk. It is also known as Exercise Induced Collapse (EID), Exercise Induced Hyperthermia, Stress Seizures or "The Wobbles". Symptoms commence after about 5 - 15 minutes of exercise and include disorientation, loss of focus, staggering, stumbling, exaggerated lifting of the legs when walking. Dogs are abnormal for 5 to 30 minutes after the onset of symptons, but recover without any stiffness or lameness. Affected dogs are often unable to exercise and are retired from work. First described in border collies, it has also been observed in Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Kelpies, Australian Shepherds, Bearded Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Please Note: Although BCC is similar to EIC in Labradors, it is not caused by the same gene. At present there is No DNA Test for it (the Labrador DNA test does not work for border collies), but scientists in the USA are presently researching....
It is important to recognise that BCC is a different affliction to Heat Stroke (Heat Exhaustion). The BCC affected dog's body temperature will rise with activity, but it does not rise more than any normal dog performing the same exercise, whereas a dog with heat stroke's body temperature will rocket. Heat stroke severe enough to cause mental changes, gait abnormality and collapse is life threatening and often fatal. Recovery is slow and prolonged, even with intensive treatment.
Epilepsy: This is thought to be a polygenetic trait. There is currently no test available to identify the carriers of this disease, although research is currently underway in the UK and USA. It is advisable not to breed from any dog with epilepsy or their close relatives.
Deafness: Congenital Unilateral (one ear) or Bilateral (both ears) Deafness has been documented, but it is not yet established whether it is inherited and if so, how. The only way of testing for deafness is by means of a BAER Test. Once again it is not advisable to breed from any dog that is deaf.
It is important to recognise that BCC is a different affliction to Heat Stroke (Heat Exhaustion). The BCC affected dog's body temperature will rise with activity, but it does not rise more than any normal dog performing the same exercise, whereas a dog with heat stroke's body temperature will rocket. Heat stroke severe enough to cause mental changes, gait abnormality and collapse is life threatening and often fatal. Recovery is slow and prolonged, even with intensive treatment.
Epilepsy: This is thought to be a polygenetic trait. There is currently no test available to identify the carriers of this disease, although research is currently underway in the UK and USA. It is advisable not to breed from any dog with epilepsy or their close relatives.
Deafness: Congenital Unilateral (one ear) or Bilateral (both ears) Deafness has been documented, but it is not yet established whether it is inherited and if so, how. The only way of testing for deafness is by means of a BAER Test. Once again it is not advisable to breed from any dog that is deaf.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a serious hereditary blindness that gets progressively worse. Only an Opthalmic Vet can do a clinical test, which can only identify the affected dogs. Please NOTE: the PRA DNA test as advertised by various laboratories is not breed specific enough for border collies to work, returning many False Negatives.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): The lens may be partially or completely displaced from its normal location behind the pupil.The disease is not related to trauma and is a recessively inherited trait. Please NOTE: the current PLL DNA test does not work on border collies returning many False Negatives.
Von Willebrand Disease 2 (vWD2): There have been documented cases of the disease in border collies. Please NOTE: there are laboratories offering a DNA test, BUT many False Positives are being returned. More research required.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): The lens may be partially or completely displaced from its normal location behind the pupil.The disease is not related to trauma and is a recessively inherited trait. Please NOTE: the current PLL DNA test does not work on border collies returning many False Negatives.
Von Willebrand Disease 2 (vWD2): There have been documented cases of the disease in border collies. Please NOTE: there are laboratories offering a DNA test, BUT many False Positives are being returned. More research required.
Please Note that there are currently international laboratories offering tests, sometimes as part of a package, which are irrelevant or do not work for our breed. In some cases the diseases have not even been recorded in Border Collies, such as Cyclic Neutropenia (CN), Hyperuricosuria (HUU); and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH).