Treatment of the eye is a major concern for puppies belonging to some breeds like the Australian Shepherds and the Border Collies. These breeds can be affected with eye diseases like Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), PHR, Micropthalmia and also Cataracts.

Photo: asca.org

Research conducted in 2001 says that, the Australian Shepherd is less in number as compared to the Border Collies, with just about 12000 as against 20000 Border Collies. Open communication between the breeders and the dog owners revealed that such diseases were common in the breeds since they were mostly hereditary.

Owners were asked to submit eye examination certificates done on their dogs and the breeders too were asked to submit the same for the entire litter. All information on ocular abnormalities were recorded.

Invitations were sent across via dog magazines, mailing lists, word-of-mouth, breed specific websites and Club publications. Data on both affected as well as unaffected dogs were required and both puppy as well as adult certificates were taken wherever they were available.

It was noted that one-sixth of the PHR carriers were also carriers of the Collie Eye Anomaly. Also, CEA being the second most common disease among these dogs, it is difficult to get rid of this ailment without facing breeding restrictions. A direct DNA mutation test for carrier status can now be easily availed.

If this is carried out, Collie Eye Anomaly in Australian Shepherds can be reduced by a large extent and this appears to be the only plausible solution to help in controlling this heritable eye disease.

Betty Roberts is the author of the popular dog website TrainPetDog.com
 

A limp that appears from nowhere and gets progressively worse is cause for concern. The first thing to do is try to ascertain where the problem actually is. Check the legs and feet for any areas of tenderness, swelling or infection.

Photo: american-beauty-bulls.com

There are numerous possibilities to consider. In young, developing dogs, lameness in the rear can be an indication of hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hips and can affect one or both sides of the dog.

As a dog ages these joints wear down, and eventually arthritis is associated with the disease. Hip dysplasia can only be properly diagnosed by x-ray. If x-rays do confirm hip dysplasia, there are several considerations. Surgery is one alternative in more serious cases.

In very serious cases the hips themselves are removed and may be replaced with Teflon hips. Most mildly and many moderately dysplastic dogs will lead normal lives if properly managed. A dysplastic dog should be kept in good weight and physical condition.

Moderate exercise, especially swimming, is necessary if a dysplastic dog is to lead a normal life. If pain develops with age, it can be relieved with aspirin. Another common conditions that causes lameness in young dogs is osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

This disease affects the shoulder joints and sometimes the hocks and stifles. OCD can be confirmed by x-ray, and the cartilage appears fragmented or loose. In mild cases, it will heal itself with rest but usually required surgery.

Another serious concern with lameness, especially as a dog ages, is bone cancer. This can only be confirmed by tests and x-rays. Anytime a dog or puppy becomes lame and rest is prescribed as treatment, it is essential to keep that dog almost completely inactive, except for potty visits, until the injury heals.

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