HEALTH RELATED ISSUES IN ROUGH AND SMOOTH COLLIES.
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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 breeders have also been aware that some Collies may show adverse reactions to certain drugs eg Ivermectin. Researchers have found that approximately 60% of Collies, and other closely related breeds, carry a defective gene for MDR1 (multi-drug resistance) and they have recently developed a genetic test for the condition. As the Kennel Club does not yet officially recognise MDR1 as a breed-related problem, it is up to breeders to lobby the Rough Collie Breed Council (through their local Breed Club) to request the Kennel Club to recognise MDR1. Breeders, world-wide, 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. Anne Hollywood, the Collie Association’s Health Coordinator, is compiling a report on this very subject and questionnaires can be downloaded from the CA ‘s web site. Please contact Pat Hutchinson, the EACA’s Health Coordinator, if you have comments or require advice. Inherited Collie health conditions: Eyes
- Hip
Dysplasia
Fertility
problems |