Shetland Sheepdog Medical Conditions

Shetland Sheepdog Medical Conditions
by George Jones

Shetland Sheepdogs are popular as a dog breed in the United States. This popularity however, has produced some unfortunate results. As with any "popular" breed of dog, puppy mills and "back-yard breeders" are attracted to market demands and an opportunity to make a quick buck. These "grab the money breeders" do not care about producing a quality animal or maintaining a sound gene pool. The results of this uncaring puppy production is the proliferation of genetically unstable and medically unsound animals.
Quality Shetland Sheepdogs are relatively sound, long-lived animals. Reputable Shetland Sheepdog breeders have taken on the responsibility of cleansing the gene pool to eventually eliminate the problems within this breed. Reponsible Shetland Sheepdog breeders will have all of their breeding stock tested and/or certified for the following medical conditions:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
As the name states Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a progressively degenerative eye disorder. It is hereditary in nature and detectable through screening. Both parents should be registered with the CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation). For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Progressive Retinal Degeneration.
Collie Eye Anomoly (CEA)
Shetland sheepdogs being "evolutionary cousins" to Collies are prone to CEA (sometimes referred to as Sheltie Eye Syndrome SES). This eye disorder results in the dog having "blind spots". This conditional is not a life threatening disorder and the animals are capable of having normal, full lives. It is only through screening and selective breeding that this problem will be eliminated. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Collie Eye Anomoly.
Corneal Dystrophy (CD)
Corneal Dystrophy is a hereditary eye disease affecting only the cornea. The impact of this disorder comes in varying degrees and the age of onset can vary with type. It is only through selective breeding that this disorder can be reduced in the the Shetland Sheepdog population. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Corneal Dystrophy.
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)
von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder. It impacts the dog's ability to clot blood (similar to hemophilia). This disorder is found in both males and females. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/von Willebrand's Disease.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is the result of an improper setting of the femur into the hip socket. There are numerous combinations of types and degrees found in dogs. Both parents should be OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) cleared prior to breeding. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Hip Dysplasia.
Hypothyroidim
Hypothyroism is a condition caused by the under-activity of the dog's thyroid gland. It is usually controlable through medication, although the dog will have to be on thyroid supplements its entire life. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/ Hypothyroidism.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy in Shelties is a hereditary seizure disorder. Dogs with epilepsy should not be breed and a responsible breeder will remove dog's producing epileptic pups from their breeding program. For more information regarding this condition please see: Medical/Epilepsy.
Shetland Sheepdogs were developed as a breed with a working (herding) pupose in mind. They are sound, active, intelligent, and healthy animals. The key to obtaining a good Shetland Sheepdog is to only deal with a responsible breeder. Someone who has screened for genetic faults, who has their focus on producing the best animals they can - not lining their pockets.
Note: Shetland Sheepdogs have and unusual sensitivity to Ivermectin. Shelties, Collies and several related breeds can not use this ingredient in Heartworm or other worming products.

Return to Shetland Sheepdog Directory
Return to Bark Bytes Home

All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from Bark Bytes, Inc.