Collie Health
Things we test for
CEA - Collie Eye Anomally - Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), also known as choroidal hypoplasia (CH), is an inherited disease affecting several dog breeds including the Scottish collie. The choroid is the layer of tissue in the eye responsible for supplying blood and nutrients to the Retina. In dogs affected with CEA, the choroid does not develop properly and is therefore thinner than normal.
PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Progressive retinal Atrophy, Rod-cone dysplasia 2 is an early-onset, inherited eye disease affecting dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, rod-cone dysplasia 2 occurs as a result of degeneration of both rod and cone type Photoreceptor Cells of the Retina, which are important for vision in dim and bright light, respectively. Affected dogs have abnormal thinning and degeneration of the retina beginning around 16 days of age. The rod type cells are affected first and affected dogs will initially have vision deficits in dim light (night blindness) and loss of peripheral vision noticeable at about 6 weeks of age.
CN - Cyclic Hematopoiesis - Affected dogs undergo an oscillating cycle in the quantity of a type of white blood cells called neutrophils, important for controlling and preventing bacterial and fungal infections. Affected dogs have Neutrophil counts oscillating between normal quantities to almost zero neutrophils on an approximate 2 week frequency. Affected puppies often die within a few days of birth or are stunted in growth. Affected dogs have a gray coat color and are vulnerable to infections during periods of low neutrophil counts.
HUU - Hyperuricosuria - Hyperuricosuria is an inherited condition of the urinary system affecting several breeds of dog. The SLC2A9 gene codes for a protein that allows the kidneys to transport uric acid from the urine. Dogs with mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in
the urinary tract.
the urinary tract.
VWD-II - Von Willebrand Disease - Von Willebrand disease type II (VWDII) is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting dogs. Dogs affected with VWDII have decreased levels and abnormal function of von Willebrand coagulation factor (vWf), which is an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting.
DM Degenerative Myelopathy - Degenerative Myelopathy caused by Mutation of the SOD1 gene is an inherited neurologic disorder of dogs. This mutation is found in many breeds of dog, including the Scottish collie. While it is not clear for some of the other breeds, collies are known to develop degenerative myelopathy associated with this mutation. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. The disease affects the White Matter tissue of the spinal cord and is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) found in humans.
Recurrent Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease - Recurrent inflammatory pulmonary disease is an inherited disease affecting dogs. Affected dogs present within the first week of life with signs of respiratory disease including coughing, nasal discharge, fever, vomiting, and shallow, noisy breathing. Dogs respond to treatment, but relapse quickly after treatment has ended. Some dogs may be maintained with medical therapy for years while continuing to have signs of respiratory disease throughout their life.
MDR1 - Multidrug Resistance 1 - Multidrug resistance 1, also called MDR1, is an inherited condition affecting several breeds of dogs, especially herding dogs such as the Scottish collie. The Mutation in the ABCB1 gene associated with MDR1 causes dysfunction of P-glycoprotein, which is responsible for removing certain drugs and toxins from the body. Clinical signs are most commonly associated with distribution of the drug in the central nervous system. MDR1 is inherited in an autosomal incomplete dominant manner in dogs meaning that dogs only need to inherit one copy of the mutated gene to be at an increased risk of developing adverse reactions to certain medications. Though adverse reactions to certain drugs are most commonly seen in dogs having two copies of the mutated gene, Carrier dogs can also experience drug sensitivities and dosages need to be adjusted accordingly. Thus, dogs that have one or two mutant copies of the gene are considered at-risk for adverse drug reactions.
Dermatomyositis - Dermatomyositis (DMS) is an immune mediated, inflammatory disease affecting the skin and muscles of Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Skin lesions can present before 6 months of age and typically precede muscle lesions. However, some dogs develop skin lesions later into adulthood. These wounds begin as small swellings that become pustules, ulcers, and crusty hairless regions. Affected areas include the muzzle, footpads, around the eyes and lips, ears, and any bony prominences like the points of the elbow or the tops of the paws. Unless secondarily infected, lesions are not painful or itchy. Typically, the disease peaks around 1 year of age, and in some cases the dog may improve as it continues to age. Some dogs with DMS may develop inflammation of the muscles (myositis) without showing skin lesions. Over time, muscles may show signs of Atrophy, especially the muscles needed for chewing. Affected dogs may have difficulty eating and drinking from a bowl and may walk with a stiff-legged gait. More commonly, skin lesions occur months before myositis develops. When present, myositis is consistent with overall disease severity, with mildly affected dogs presenting no signs of muscle issues. Dogs with severe myositis can exhibit stunted growth, widespread muscle atrophy, and aspiration pneumonia from swallowing difficulties. Treatment is focused on management of the presenting skin lesions along with regulating the immune system to reduce the presentation. Although most dogs will respond to treatment, relapses are common. Severe skin lesions may result in scarring. Long term complications are possible for dogs with chronic DMS lesions.
*OFA Testing for Hips and Elbows
*Brucellosis testing
*Brucellosis testing
All disease description info came from Pawprint Genetics