Collie Health

Collies are generally very healthy dogs. However, there is always room for improvement. There are a number of health areas that we are either breeding away from or monitoring to ensure the lines stay healthy. LestWeForget collies tests for all four of these disorders.

MDR1

Multi-Drug Resistance Gene, (MDR1) codes for a protein that is responsible for protecting the brain by transporting potentially harmful chemicals away from the brain. In certain breeds, a mutation occurs in the MDR1 gene that causes sensitivity to Ivermectin, Loperamide, and a number of other drugs. Dogs with this mutation have a defect in the P-glycoprotein that is normally responsible for transporting certain drugs out of the brain. The defective protein inhibits the dog's ability to remove certain drugs from the brain, leading to a buildup of these toxins. As a result of the accumulation of toxins, the dog can show neurological symptoms, such as seizures, ataxia, or even death.

We aim to breed for MDR1 normal/normal. At this time, 70% of the Collie gene pool has two mutant MDR1 genes - so sometimes to get other traits we want, we may produce some dogs with normal/mutant. 

CEA

In animals with Collie Eye Abnormality, there are abnormalities of the choroid and may also be changes in the sclera. The major change, which is present in all dogs with CEA, is 'choroidal hypoplasia', a pale patch in the back of the eye caused by abnormal development of the choroid layer. Affected dogs may also have abnormalities in the sclera, producing pits or 'colobomas' in or around the optic disk.

We breed for CEA clear (meaning no genes that can cause CEA), but symptoms are only present in dogs that have two CEA genes. When a dog has two CEA genes, the eye changes can be mild to severe. We generally do not breed puppies that will be affected by CEA. 

PRA

Progressive Retinal Atrophy refers to a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly over time. The result is declining vision and eventual blindness.


Every collie breeder should be able to show genetic results that their breeding dogs are clear for PRA. 

Joints

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. Elbows can also be affected.

Hip/Elbow dysplasia is not common in collies, but breeders should have a knowledgable vet examine their x-rays and every couple of generations they should get official OFA clearances of their breeding stock. 

Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that no LestWeForget Collies have any of the 'red' medications on this list. 
Any dog that is MDR1 normal/mutant or mutant/mutant should not have any red, orange, or yellow medications on this list. 

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