Mary Allen
Introduction: The Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small to medium-sized herding dog breed originating from the Shetland Islands in Scotland. They are affectionate, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them popular as companion dogs and in various dog sports. Shelties have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming, and they come in a variety of colors. While they are generally healthy, like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain health issues that owners should be aware of.
Common Health Issues in Shetland Sheepdogs
Shetland Sheepdogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health problems in Shelties include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and collie eye anomaly, von Willebrand’s disease (a blood clotting disorder), and sensitivity to certain medications. Other health issues that have been reported in Shetland Sheepdogs include epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Why Health Testing is Important for Shetland Sheepdogs
Health testing is an important part of responsible dog ownership, especially for purebred dogs like Shetland Sheepdogs. By conducting health tests on breeding dogs, breeders can identify potential health issues and make informed decisions about which dogs to breed. This can help to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases in the breed and improve the overall health of Shelties. Health testing can also help owners to identify potential health issues early on, allowing for early intervention and treatment, which can improve outcomes and quality of life for affected dogs.
The Importance of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing is a type of health testing that looks for specific genetic mutations that can cause or increase the risk of certain health conditions in dogs. Genetic testing can help breeders to identify carriers of genetic diseases and avoid breeding them with other carriers, which can reduce the risk of producing affected puppies. Genetic testing can also help owners to identify potential health risks in their dogs and take steps to manage or prevent them. It is important to choose a reputable genetic testing laboratory and to work with a veterinarian or genetic counselor to interpret the results.
Recommended Health Tests for Shetland Sheepdogs
There are several health tests that are recommended for Shetland Sheepdogs. These tests can help to identify potential health issues early on, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The recommended health tests for Shelties include hip dysplasia testing, eye exams (including PRA and collie eye anomaly testing), von Willebrand’s disease testing, and MDR1 testing. Breeders should also consider genetic testing for other health conditions that are known to occur in Shelties, such as epilepsy and autoimmune diseases.
Hip Dysplasia Testing for Shetland Sheepdogs
Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic problem in dogs, including Shetland Sheepdogs. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint does not form properly, leading to abnormal wear and tear on the joint over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia testing involves taking x-rays of the hips and evaluating them for signs of dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers a hip dysplasia registry for dogs, and the PennHIP method is another option for evaluating hip health.
Eye Exams for Shetland Sheepdogs
Eye exams are important for all dogs, but they are particularly important for Shetland Sheepdogs due to their predisposition to certain eye problems. Regular eye exams can help to identify potential issues early on, allowing for early intervention and treatment. Eye exams should be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. In addition to general eye health, Shelties should be tested for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and collie eye anomaly.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) Testing
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic eye disorders that cause progressive vision loss and can lead to blindness. PRA is common in several dog breeds, including Shetland Sheepdogs. There are several types of PRA, and genetic testing can identify dogs that carry the mutations that cause PRA. By avoiding breeding dogs that carry these mutations, breeders can reduce the incidence of PRA in the breed.
Von Willebrand’s Disease Testing for Shetland Sheepdogs
Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder that is common in several dog breeds, including Shetland Sheepdogs. Dogs with von Willebrand’s disease have a deficiency in a protein that is necessary for blood clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries or surgical procedures. Von Willebrand’s disease testing involves a blood test that can identify dogs that carry the mutations that cause the disease. By avoiding breeding dogs that carry these mutations, breeders can reduce the incidence of von Willebrand’s disease in the breed.
Collie Eye Anomaly Testing for Shetland Sheepdogs
Collie eye anomaly is a genetic eye disorder that is common in several dog breeds, including Shetland Sheepdogs. Collie eye anomaly can cause a variety of eye abnormalities, including retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss or blindness. Collie eye anomaly testing involves a genetic test that can identify dogs that carry the mutations that cause the disease. By avoiding breeding dogs that carry these mutations, breeders can reduce the incidence of collie eye anomaly in the breed.
MDR1 Testing for Shetland Sheepdogs
MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) is a genetic mutation that affects the ability of dogs to metabolize certain medications, including some commonly prescribed drugs such as ivermectin, loperamide, and some chemotherapy drugs. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation can experience toxic side effects from these medications, which can be life-threatening. MDR1 testing involves a genetic test that can identify dogs that carry the mutation. By avoiding giving these dogs medications that they are sensitive to, owners can prevent potentially serious health issues.
Conclusion: Ensuring the Health of Shetland Sheepdogs
Ensuring the health of Shetland Sheepdogs is an important responsibility for owners and breeders alike. By conducting regular health testing and genetic testing, owners and breeders can identify potential health issues early on, allowing for early intervention and treatment. This can improve outcomes and quality of life for affected dogs and help to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases in the breed. By working together, we can help to ensure the health and well-being of Shetland Sheepdogs for generations to come.