Signs Of Common Collie Health Problems

Collies, just like any other breed of dog, have their fair share of health problems. Collies are overall healthy and hardy dogs, and most common collie health problems are not life threatening. Most health problems, if diagnosed and treated early, can be managed easily.

Signs of Collie Health Problems

Collies suffering from health problems typically show common signs of disease such as weakness, lack of energy, excessive sleeping, salivating and panting or shortness of breath. Owners also report constant pacing, lack of appetite, hair loss, limping, and changes in eating patterns. Some dogs also show subtle changes in temperament as another sign of illness.

Common Health Problems

Collies fall prey to both congenital and acquired health problems. Typical health problems that affect this kind of dog include collie nose, gray collie syndrome, collie hip dysplasia, and collie eye abnormalities. Collies also fall prey to other conditions such as collie cough and epilepsy.

Collie nose is characterized by a lack of pigmentation on the nose, lips, and eyelids, making these areas extra sensitive to sunlight. Pet owners can apply sun block on the affected areas and limit the dog's exposure to sunlight. Another option is permanent tattooing of the affected areas to make these areas darker.

Collies are also susceptible to the congenital disease called gray collie syndrome. Gray collie syndrome is a stem cell disease characterized by very small and very weak puppies with lighter pigmentation compared to normal pups. Collies with this condition develop other problems such as joint pain, fever, and are easily susceptible to infections because of the periodic lowering of white blood cells, the cells which are responsible for protecting the body from infections.

Collies are also susceptible to hip dysplasia, a condition characterized by an abnormal shape of the hip joints that develops at around 8 months around the time when the dog reaches skeletal maturity. The condition is a result of a mix of factors, including genetics, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Collies are large dogs, and this could be one of the reasons why the condition happens often in this breed. The condition can be extremely painful for the dog and often causes a sudden change in his activity levels.

Although there are a number of collie health problems that these dogs face, pet owners can help improve their pets' lives by having their dogs screened for these diseases so that early treatment can be done. The right nutrition and exercise will also help prevent the onset of age-related collie diseases. Collies are hardy and resilient dogs, so they are likely to respond to treatment favorably, especially if the condition is treated early.

By: Sandy Rutherforde

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Do you own a collie? Be sure to visit Collie Health Guide for tips on how to stop dog biting and Clickertraining: The 4 secrets of becoming a supertrainer book review.