Outward signs may be mild or severe, including coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, and weakness in the hind limbs. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. If we dont prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy may lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Unfortunately, your Border Collie is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. Look no farther than the Border Collie! For your canine friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so its important that we test for them on a regular basis. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation she may develop problem behaviors. Our recommended growth rate for Border Collie puppies is no more than four pounds per week. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Border Collies. Surgeryis sometimes considered in severe and life-limiting cases of hip dysplasia. Give us a call for an appointment if you notice any of these types of signs: Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these types of signs: Cities and Zip Codes served by Freeport Vet. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. Though its tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can love her to death with leftover people food and doggie treats. Your Border Collie is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS). If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. DNA testing for a predisposition to hyperthermia is available, and carriers should be screened and identified before breeding. Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Also, make sure your Border Collie gets alone time as well as play time as a puppy so he becomes used to being by himself for short periods. Border Collies can be sound sensitive, so be prepared for thunderstorms, New Year's Eve, and the Fourth of July! Collie eye anomaly is a genetically linked disease that causes abnormal development of the eyes in Border Collies. n1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs), Date of acceptance on a definitive basis by the FCI, Date of publication of the official valid standard, Subject to a working trial according to the FCI Breeds Nomenclature, FCI - Federation This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Border Collies. Dont worrywell show you how! It is important to give your pet a thorough eye examination prior to breeding. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Border Collie. We will describe the most common issues seen in Border Collies to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. A genetic test is available for this condition. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. In severe cases, the disease can lead to blindness. Looking for a dog who is often smarter than you? We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. PRA is not painful, but also not curable. Border Collies were bred as herding dogs in the countryside between Scotland and England. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, causing fluid build-up and strain on the heart. Unfortunately, Border Collies can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Some dogs become bored or anxious quickly when away from their human companions, especially if they are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at 207-208-8508 or call an emergency hospital. One of the best things you can do for your Border Collie is to have her spayed (neutered for males). Freeport Veterinary Hospital is seeking a kind and focused individual who is committed to Fear Free veterinary care as part of a tightly-knit, family-like team. This super smart pooch has some great characteristics: Those great traits find some balance in these other features: Widely considered the most intelligent dog breed, she can also be a handful. We'll watch his eyes closely for early signs and start preventive eye medications if needed. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Luckily, this disease is rare. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. You may notice that he has lameness in his hind legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. If your Border Collie has this mutation, it can affect the way his body processes different drugs, including substances commonly used to treat parasites, diarrhea, and even cancer. Youve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Border Collies are commonly afflicted. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. In dogs with this gene, early symptoms such as night blindness or dilated pupils generally begin around three to five years of age. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. Symptoms may progress to weakness involving all four legs, and some dogs also lose vision. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, or NCL, is a progressive neurologic disease found in several breeds, including Border Collies. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Sheepdog looking and feeling her best. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Fear of storms, fireworks, and loud noises is common in dogs of all breeds. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions weve described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cynologique Internationale, Breeds not subject to a working trial and working class, Standards published over the last 6 months, How to establish a national Youth canine organisation, How to organize Youth activities for cynological venues, n1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs). Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Border Collies are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Clinical signs usually appear in younger dogs around one to three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. For years, veterinarians simply avoided using ivermectin in herding breeds, but now there is a DNA test that can specifically identify dogs who are at risk for side effects from certain medications. All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Sheepdog's body, inside and out. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. To maintain this rate, dont overfeed him and dont supplement with additional calcium. Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. Well watch for the lenses of his eyes to become more opaquemeaning they look cloudy instead of clearwhen we examine him. For this reason, it is important to diagnose breeding dogs who are carriers of this defect so they dont pass it along to their offspring. Well perform periodic diagnostic tests and look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet. That's when the naughty stuff starts. Border Collies generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Border Collies. A scheduled routine, lots to do, and a stable home environment can help prevent common behavior problems associated with separation anxiety. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Border Collies. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. Pannus is like a suntan on your dog's eyeball. In fact, your Border Collie's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! Border Collies are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. 2022 Freeport Veterinary Hospital. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual (see What to Watch For below). There is currently no effective treatment for this disease, but a genetic test is available. Working with us to find an appropriate plan for your Border Collie is a process we will approach together. Your Collie will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Shell feel better, and so will you! Tartar build-up, bad breath, red gums, or broken teeth, Itchy skin (scratching, chewing, or licking); hair loss, Lethargy, mental dullness, or excessive sleeping, Fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes, Dull coat, hair loss; sluggish, weight gain, Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizes after eating, Anxiety, destructive behaviors, vocalization, hiding, panting, or drooling, Scratching or shaking the head, tender ears, or ear discharge, Inability or straining to urinate; discolored urine, Cloudiness, redness, itching, or any other abnormality involving the eyes, Leg stiffness; reluctance to rise, sit, use stairs, run, jump; bunny hopping, Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors, Lethargy, drooling, or abnormal behavior following drug administration, Fatigue during exercise, coughing, or shortness of breath. In the early stages, rear leg weakness and imbalance can occur. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. If your buddy is affected, cobalamin injections will be needed for the rest of his life. Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is an essential nutrient necessary for life. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or regular puppy diet. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Hip dysplasia is common in Border Collies. Dogs are at risk of hurting themselves when terrified, especially if they frantically try to escape or chew through doors, kennels, or walls. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Dont worry; well discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives. If he is a carrier of the disease, his infection-fighting white blood cells will look abnormal under the microscope, but will operate normally. Address: 4 Post RoadFreeport, Maine 04032. A relatively rare blood disorder called Pelger-Huet anomaly can occur in your Border Collie. She's a very smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. Testing your pet early in life can prevent drug-related toxicity. Group : Please consult your veterinarian for the best recommendations for your pets. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. They are known for their intelligence and the intense stare they use on flocks of sheep. It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Border Collies are susceptible to a condition called patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close as it should shortly after birth. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Border Collies are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. Its been a long year and were excited to announce that we are beginning a gradual reopening to the public! It's considered to have a genetic component since the condition is predominant in certain breeds, like your Border Collie. Well conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. And weigh your puppy every three to four weeks to make sure hes on track. There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Highly active and eager to serve a purpose, Well suited as a companion or working dog, Needs a lot of activity and mental stimulation to avoid boredom vices, Strong herding instinct can lead to chasing cars and small animals, Sheds quite a bit and needs to be brushed regularly. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Border Collie needs help. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. To check for this problem, well conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia. Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. Dogs carrying the mutation should not be used for breeding since it is readily passed to future generations. Dont worry; we can test for this defect with blood work. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Some Border Collies seem to have a defective internal thermostat and can develop dangerously high body temperatures leading to heat stroke, muscle rigidity, and organ damage. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. When Border Collie puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bones properly. We are open and here for you! We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during your pets examinations. Unfortunately, there is no treatment. The content provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. This is especially common during and after anesthesia, thus we will monitor your pets temperature closely to prevent complications following surgical or dental procedures. They are extremely active dogs that do best when they have a job. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Unfortunately, Border Collies are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition. Early detection is critical! Puppies that inherit a copy of this abnormal gene from both parents, however, usually die before or shortly after birth. We want to address his problem when signs first appear as fear behavior tends to get worse with time. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Sheepdog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea (the clear part of the eye), which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Well take X-rays of your dogs joints to identify the disease as early as possible, and we can treat the arthritisthe sooner the betterto avoid discomfort and pain. All Rights Reserved. She's an athletic and acrobatic dog that excels at agility competitions, flyball, and herding events. Freeport Veterinary Hospital does not provide veterinary medical advice via the internet. This condition is called malignant hyperthermia malignant, meaning deadly or dangerous, and hyperthermia, referring to overheating. By knowing about health concerns specific to Border Collies, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. Well clean your dogs teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good timeits more convenient for you and easier on your friend too. If your pal has this condition, we may recommend surgery to close the problematic vessel. Their natural herding abilities can lead to herding anything that moves, including children and small animals. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. A genetic defect, more likely in Border Collies than other dogs, disrupts the absorption of this nutrient in the intestines causing poor appetite, stunted growth, protein loss, and low red and white blood cell counts.
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