It won’t be wrong if you call a Border collie Einstein of the dogs. It is because of collies’ high IQ level and ability to learn things fast within 10 seconds. The average life span of Border collies is 10-14 years whereas some lucky healthy collies live up to 17-19 years of age. The reason behind this breeds death before time is cancer and some other diseases. What health problems do Border collies have? What are the treatments for those health problems? which are the most common Border collies health problems?
Some of the most common Border collies health problems are seizures, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), CEA (collie eye anomaly), Hypothyroidism, OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans), PDA (patent Ductus Arteriosus), Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, etc. Some of the common health problems Border collies have are described below in detail.
Border collies health problems
Border collies are very energetic dogs. They are very loyal and good pets. They never get tired due to their herding behavior by nature. Most of the common reasons behind border collies’ death after old age is cancer. 26% of the deaths are due to cancer.
Border collies’ health problems and how to treat them
Border collies are healthy dogs as compare to all other dog breeds. Although they get some health problems so some of the Border collies health problems are described below in some detail.
Seizures
The most common health problem Border collies have is epilepsy. It causes seizures for a short or a long period. Every seizure is different due to which it can’t be said is it life-threatening or just a minor one. It is a neurological disorder that causes irregular neuroelectric activity. This condition is found in dogs from 6 months to 6 years of age.
Symptoms: Spasming, twitching, convulsion, or a loss of consciousness.
You can use these electric rechargeable collars to keep your dog in control:
Rechargeable Shock Collar: Buy on Amazon
Dog Training Collar: Buy on Amazon
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is an eye disorder. It is very common among the Border collies. It is a degeneration condition in which a dog loses vision slowly and leads to complete blindness. PRA can be spotted within 3 years of age and now hereditary tests are available to detect it sooner. It is recommended not to rearrange the furniture and use the short leash if your dog is going to have PRA.
Symptoms: Loss of vision at night or the daytime.
Collie Eye Anomaly
Border collies have small eyes. CEA is another eye disease in which the choroid gets thin. The choroid is a tissue that supplies oxygen to the eyes’ retina and it occurs in collie puppies up to about 2 years old. There is still not any proper cure or treatment for CEA.
Symptoms: small eyeballs, microphthalmia, or sunken cloudy eyes.
Use I-Drop Vet plus eye drops in case of any eye irritation or problem your dog gets. It is highly recommended by many vets and one of the best to use. Buy on Amazon
Hypothyroidism
This health problem is related to the thyroid in which there is a disruption in the production of hormones which leads to a slower metabolism. It occurs in middle-aged dogs. It is the shrinkage of the thyroid. but this disease can be managed by taking replacement hormones.
Symptoms: inability to tolerate cold, lethargy, change in fur, and weight gain.
Use these dog foods which are recommended by the vets instead of any other food.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Dog Food: Buy on Amazon
Wag Dry dog food( 35% protein): Buy on Amazon
Purina Pro Plan dog food: Buy on Amazon
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
It is a very dangerous life-threatening heart disorder. This is because the artery in the heart which is supposed to close remains open. It causes an overflow of blood and overloads the left side of the heart.
Symptoms: crying, rapid heart rate, poor eating, and fast heat breathing.
Use this WONDER PAWS Cardio Support for Dogs: Buy on Amazon
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Another Border collies health problem is OCD. In OCD the cartilage between the two bones gets damaged and grows abnormally which leads to instability in the joints. The most common affected area in Border collies’ body is the shoulders joint. Collie puppy between the ages of 5 to 10 months show signs of OCD if he is suffering.
Symptoms: Inability to move, joint weakness, joint popping, and swelling.
See also: Are border collies snappy
Hip Dysplasia
It is the most common health problem you will see Border collies have which causes the hip joint to grow improperly. Hip joint grinds instead of slide whenever your dog walks. The ball and joint socket don’t meet as they should and loses the proper structure.
Symptoms: Hip pain, loss of muscle in thighs, activity decrease and doesn’t want to move or climb stairs.
It highly recommended using the Cosequin Maximum Strength Joint Supplements to avoid any type of joint problem to your dog. Buy on Amazon
Conclusion:
Border collies are very healthy and energetic dogs. Due to their herding behavior and a lot of energy, they are also prone to so health issues. Due to all Border collies health problems, it is recommended to every Border collie owner take his collie puppy thorough medical examination before bringing him home.
