by Siven » Tue Aug 17, 2021 2:37 pm
Common Health Problems;
Chronic Degenerative Valve Disease
Chronic degenerative valve disease (CVD) is a progressive degeneration of the valves in the heart (primarily the mitral valve). This results in the thickening of the valve leaflets and a valvular leak that eventually causes heart enlargement and signs of heart failure.
Unfortunately, CVD in Volvitz Collies is typically fatal by 5 years of age. However, studies have shown that the Collies with CVD who are kept on low activity may live a full and happy life given proper rest. Collies diagnosed with CVD are thus disqualified from sports and show, and may not be bred as the condition is genetic.
Hip Dysplasia
In dogs, hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause lameness and arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic trait that is also affected by environmental factors.
Double Merle
Double Merle (Homozygous Merle) is the common term for a dog with two copies of the Merle gene. Double Merles are a result of bad breeding practices, most commonly known as spot x spot breeding. Double Merles can also be blind or have vision problems due to congenital eye defects.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), is a group of degenerative diseases that affect these photoreceptor cells. With this disease, the cells deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness in the affected dog.
Congenital Hereditary Deafness
Congenital Hereditary Deafness is the most common cause of deafness in dogs and affects dogs with white pigmentation. Even if your dog's coat is dark, their skin can have white pigmentation as can the ears or the rims of the eyes and nose. However, CHD can occur in any dog even those without white pigmentation.
Last edited by
Siven on Fri Sep 24, 2021 11:49 am, edited 1 time in total.