In spite of the Border Collie's incredible working ancestry and stamina, there are medical disorders to which this breed is prone. Prior to purchasing any Border Collie pup be sure that the breeder can present thorough documentation that their breeding stock has been screened for the following conditions:

Hip Dysplasia (HD)
        Border Collies, being a medium-sized dog breed, are prone to hip dysplasia.  Hip dysplasia occurs in a range of severity, from mild to severe, and is hereditary (although environmental factors can play a key role). Be sure that the breeder has either OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHip certification on both parents.
For further information regarding this condition please see Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
        With Border Collies being members of the "Collie family," this ailment can be found in the gene pool. This condition is totally hereditary and can lead to blindness. All puppies (and their parents) should have certification of testing for this disorder.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Collie Eye Anomaly.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
        Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA) are among the most common eye problems in Border Collies. These conditions usually begin to display symptoms at about 2 years of age.  They are progressive in their degeneration. Both conditions are hereditary. Both parents should have CERF certification proof, when looking to purchase a pup.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
        Osteochondrosis dissecans is a degenerative disease of the joints. Even though OCD can have a combination of causes (hereditary, dietary or environmental) both parents should be screened for this condition.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Osteochondrosis Dissecans.

Epilepsy
        Border Collies have been reported with epilepsy. As with humans canine epilepsy is a neurological seizures can be controlled through medication.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Epilepsy.

Congenital Deafness
        Congenital deafness is not currently a major problem in Border Collies, as it is in a number of other dog breeds. Responsible breeders are, however, starting to screen (BAER test) their breeding stock and puppies, in order to avoid this condition from becoming a major problem. Border Collies have been reported with congenital deafness, thus it is in the gene pool.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Congenital Deafness.

Canine Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
        Canine ceroid lipofuscinosis is a very rare metabolic disorder. It is believed that this is a recessive hereditary condition. There are no tests to detect this condition, and it is not treatable.
For further information please see: Medical Index/Canine Ceroid Lipofuscinosis.

Anesthetics
        Border Collies normally have very low body fat. This makes some Border Collies particularly sensitive to barbiturate-based anesthetics. Be sure to discuss this potential difficulty with your veterinarian prior to any surgery.