HEALTH RELATED ISSUES IN ROUGH AND SMOOTH COLLIES.

EACA CODE OF ETHICS


Permanent Identification of Breeding Stock.

'As from 1 January 2010 all breeding stock using the KC/BVA eye and hip schemes must be permanently identified by either microchip or tattoo
This new requirement does not apply to puppies presented for litter screening under the eye scheme.

If you have recently had your Collie microchipped, the number will need to be added to the dog’s KC registration details as soon as possible. Microchip implanters send details of chipped dogs to Petlog’s National database, but cannot access the KC records of dogs other than his/her own.

This must therefore be done by the registered owner, either:

a), By email to gary.johnson@thekennelclub.org.uk or

b). If you are signed up with the KC to do on-line litter registrations you can add the microchip number yourself. Login to access the members’ area, and then login again at the ’if you are an online Litter Registration customer’. This will list all those dogs you have registered at the KC. Highlight the relevant dog and this takes you to his/her profile. Complete the microchip box and ‘save’.

Please note: Your dogs can now be microchipped at all EACA shows at a cost of £15.00 per dog
(please bring KC registration documents).”

It is important to note that Rough and Smooth Collies are fortunately relatively healthy breeds. Their Breed Standards were carefully drawn up in the 1880's, to take account of Collie's original working form and function. A few minor amendments have been made to the Standards over the years, but nothing that should give rise to concern in terms of exaggeration of type.

The information found here is directed primarily at breeders. Members of the general public, considering buying a Rough Collie should discuss health issues with the breeder of their puppy.

The Kennel Club now requires every Breed Club to elect a Health Coordinator to advise them on any initiatives being taken by the Clubs in promoting the breeding of healthy Collies, with the possible elimination of inherited breed-related conditions.

The Kennel Club officially recognises three inherited problems relating to Rough and Smooth Collies – two eye conditions (PRA & CEA), and hip problems.

Since the 1980’s when breeders were first aware that some Collies showed adverse reactions to certain drugs eg Ivermectin. Researchers have found that approximately 60% of Collies, and other closely related breeds, carry a defective or mutant gene for MDR1 (multi-drug resistance).

The Kennel Club officially recognises three laboratories for the DNA genetic testing of PRA(rcd2), CEA/CH and MDR1:

a). OPTIGEN , USA ( www.optigen.com ) for PRA(rcd2) and CEA/CH

b). GENOMIA , Czech Republic ( www.genomia.cz ) for CEA/CH & MDR1

(Although Genomia also carries out the PRA (rcd2) test, the KC is unable to recognise it yet as Optigen currently holds the world's patent.

c). LABOKLIN , UK ( www.laboklin.co.uk ) for MDR1

Breeders, world-wide, also appear to be concerned about the fertility of their bitches - late seasons, failed pregnancies after successful matings, re-absorption of foetuses, still-births and fading puppies.

*****As from August 2010 the KC has agreed to accept DNA test certificates for PRA [rcd2], CEA/CH, and MDR1 from those breeders using these genetic tests.
Please note this is entirely optional but if test certificates are submitted to the KC then the results will be placed on the dog's registration papers. *****

Please contact Pat Hutchinson, the EACA’s Health Coordinator, if you have comments or require advice.

Inherited Collie health conditions:

Eyes -
CLICK HERE for information

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
&
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Hip Dysplasia
 CLICK HERE for information


MDR1
(Multi-drug resistance)
CLICK HERE for information


Miscellaneous:

Fertility problems
CLICK HERE for more information