Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tips For Ensuring Good Collie Health

By Sandy Rutherforde


All breeds of dogs have some type of genetic issue breeders and owners must face at some point. Knowing about the genetic problems your dog could have will help you to provide the right treatments at the appropriate time. If you are thinking about a collie as your next pet, be sure you know the details surrounding collie health.

Many collies have trouble with their eyes as they grow older. Actually, some genetic problems may cause blindness when they are not taken care of in early stages. One disease you should talk about with your veterinarian about your new dog is progressive retinal atrophy, typically referred to as PRA. PRA causes night blindness in its early stages and limits day time vision until sight is gone. This condition begins early in the life of this particular breed as a consequence of abnormal cell development in the retina. Discuss the vision aspects of collie health with your vet for much more information.

Gray Collie Syndrome, GCS, is actually a genetic slate for those puppies who are born with it. With this condition, puppies are born a light gray color. Remember that all collies have black noses. The light gray puppy with a tan or lighter colored nose is always a positive for this particular syndrome. In fact, the nose color will be a diagnostic symptom veterinarians look for when this disorder is an issue. Merle collies do have black noses also.

The puppy with GCS usually does not live for more than a few weeks. Nevertheless, there were reported instances of these pups living as much as a couple of years with treatment. Signs consist of fever, diarrhea, and joint pain. The puppy with GCS is smaller and weaker in comparison with other litter mates. You'll be able to pick out the afflicted pup easily through color and sluggish withdrawal from other litter mates.

Although a lot of people think about physical deformities and such when breed genetics is mentioned, you should know that collies have a problem with using a few drugs also. As a consequence of a gene referred to as P-glycoprotein, collies are not able to withstand the common worming medication Ivermectin or anti-diarrhea drugs containing loperamide. That is important information for any person to know who is sitting with your pet or looking after it while you're away for an extended period of time.

Understanding the details of collie health is particularly crucial if you plan to breed them or if you just want one for your companion and best friend. Collies are loyal and intelligent dogs that have come down throughout the generations with a great personality and great disposition. Making the effort to learn all you can about them is definitely worth it. Before you come to the decision to choose a pup, make certain you choose the right vet who has expertise and practical experience with this dog breed. Don't forget to keep up with all vaccines and scheduled wellness appointments for catching disease early on.




About the Author:



>
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

0 comments: