Border Collies are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. 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. Hip dysplasia is common in Border Collies. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at 207-208-8508 or call an emergency hospital. To maintain this rate, dont overfeed him and dont supplement with additional calcium. Well also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. 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. A scheduled routine, lots to do, and a stable home environment can help prevent common behavior problems associated with separation anxiety. Shell feel better, and so will you! If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, well test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver. That's when the naughty stuff starts. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering. PRA is not painful, but also not curable. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. Our recommended growth rate for Border Collie puppies is no more than four pounds per week. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Border Collies. If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue. They are extremely active dogs that do best when they have a job. There is currently no effective treatment for this disease, but a genetic test is available. It is important to give your pet a thorough eye examination prior to breeding. In fact, your Border Collie's life span may even be cut short by one to three years! Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first. Unfortunately, there is no treatment. They are known for their intelligence and the intense stare they use on flocks of sheep. We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. We'll watch his eyes closely for early signs and start preventive eye medications if needed. Address: 4 Post RoadFreeport, Maine 04032. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Unfortunately, Border Collies are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition. This information helps you and us together plan for your pets unique medical needs. 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. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. To check for this problem, well conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pets breed. 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. Border Collies were bred as herding dogs in the countryside between Scotland and England. Border Collies are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesnt make enough thyroid hormone. 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. Some dogs become bored or anxious quickly when away from their human companions, especially if they are not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that were taking the best possible care of your pal. 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. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Well perform periodic diagnostic tests and look for lumps and bumps when we examine your pet. Of course, we cant cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Working with us to find an appropriate plan for your Border Collie is a process we will approach together. 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. Youve probably heard of hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. 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. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. In severe cases, the disease can lead to blindness. We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during your pets examinations. 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. 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. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Border Collie needs help. In the early stages, rear leg weakness and imbalance can occur. We are open and here for you! It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally! Dont worrywell show you how! 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. Pannus is like a suntan on your dog's eyeball. 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. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Border Collies. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Resource Articles 2022 GeniusVets. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. 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. Clinical signs usually appear in younger dogs around one to three years of age. This is especially common during and after anesthesia, thus we will monitor your pets temperature closely to prevent complications following surgical or dental procedures. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Early detection is critical! Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. 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! Its been a long year and were excited to announce that we are beginning a gradual reopening to the public! She's a very smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she'll get bored. Luckily, this disease is rare. 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. 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 conduct a blood test annually to screen for this disease. Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) is an essential nutrient necessary for life. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. All Rights Reserved. You may notice that he has lameness in his hind legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans, or OCD. It's considered to have a genetic component since the condition is predominant in certain breeds, like your Border Collie. Border Collies are susceptible to bacterial and viral infectionsthe same ones that all dogs can getsuch as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin. 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. 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. Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Border Collie. Unfortunately, your Border Collie is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. 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