To Learn More:
A number of laboratories offer genetic testing. You can find them listed on the OFA website (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). The OFA website also has a list of dogs whose results have been submitted for public display. You can also find statistics for how many of those results were normal or abnormal. The CHIC website (Canine Health Information Center) has a partial list of the diseases that the CCA (Collie Club of America) has recommended. The CHF website (Collie Health Foundation) has more information about current Collie issues. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for health testing results.
Please see my Collie Contract for available heath guarantees.
Genetic Testing:
Testing results are usually listed as:
Clear/Non-Carrier- completely clear of the gene. This dog does not have the gene that can cause the disease. This dog can not pass the gene to any offspring.
Carrier- this dog carries gene(s) that it's offspring may or may not inherit. This dog should not suffer the disease itself and this amount of genetic material should not
cause any symptoms or suffering to this dog.
Understanding Carrier Genetics - Think of people with brown and blue eyes: If you have brown eyes but carry the gene for blue eyes you will never suffer from blue eye issues (like their sensitivity to bright lights), you will never develop blue eyes, your blue eye gene will never cause any symtoms what so ever. But your children might inherit the blue eye gene from you. You won't even know if you have the blue eye gene unless: you examine your pedigree, test for the gene, or examine your children or some combination there of. Carrier Recessive- less likely to pass on the gene, Carrier Dominant- more likely to pass on the gene- but still not suffer symptoms.
Affected- this dog has enough genes to be affected and might suffer symptoms. It has inherited genes from both of its parents. With some diseases Affected means that
the dog might develop the disease. With other diseases Affected means the dog will definetly develop the disease- like Gray Collie syndrome.
Degree of Risk- Some diseases and conditions are a combination of genetics and environmental or diet factors (like hip dysplasia).
My Opinion of Genetic Testing:
It is a wonderful tool to that can help a breeding program. Tests can be as cheap as $35 or $200-$300 per dog or more. Some people are fortunate enough to start a breeding program with expensive, valuable and genetically clear stock. Like many others, my hobby has grown out of my love for my first dogs and I am breeding up and away from what diseases and faults I find in my stock. Some people believe that only clear breeding stock should be used from the beginning but consider this: If we eliminated all of the dogs or horses or humans from the gene pool that had any health or genetic issues what-so-ever we might be left with maybe 20-30% of our breeding stock. Okay so the next few generations might be "perfectly healthy" but at what cost? Which strengths, instincts, personalities, talents, etc would we no longer have? And after those first few generations- how many other problems would quickly develop from the lack of genetic diversity?
I am striving to decrease health issues while maintaining original instincts, good personalities, and well balanced structure that can be both beautiful and functional. What I consider to be a complete animal. The more you focus on one particular trait the easier it is for another to slip away before you realize it. There is a breed of horse with a "head class" in it's horse shows. People started to breed horses to win that class and lost much of their once strong and beautiful body structure. And that is only one of hundreds of examples that can be found in many breeds and species.
A number of laboratories offer genetic testing. You can find them listed on the OFA website (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). The OFA website also has a list of dogs whose results have been submitted for public display. You can also find statistics for how many of those results were normal or abnormal. The CHIC website (Canine Health Information Center) has a partial list of the diseases that the CCA (Collie Club of America) has recommended. The CHF website (Collie Health Foundation) has more information about current Collie issues. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for health testing results.
Please see my Collie Contract for available heath guarantees.
Genetic Testing:
Testing results are usually listed as:
Clear/Non-Carrier- completely clear of the gene. This dog does not have the gene that can cause the disease. This dog can not pass the gene to any offspring.
Carrier- this dog carries gene(s) that it's offspring may or may not inherit. This dog should not suffer the disease itself and this amount of genetic material should not
cause any symptoms or suffering to this dog.
Understanding Carrier Genetics - Think of people with brown and blue eyes: If you have brown eyes but carry the gene for blue eyes you will never suffer from blue eye issues (like their sensitivity to bright lights), you will never develop blue eyes, your blue eye gene will never cause any symtoms what so ever. But your children might inherit the blue eye gene from you. You won't even know if you have the blue eye gene unless: you examine your pedigree, test for the gene, or examine your children or some combination there of. Carrier Recessive- less likely to pass on the gene, Carrier Dominant- more likely to pass on the gene- but still not suffer symptoms.
Affected- this dog has enough genes to be affected and might suffer symptoms. It has inherited genes from both of its parents. With some diseases Affected means that
the dog might develop the disease. With other diseases Affected means the dog will definetly develop the disease- like Gray Collie syndrome.
Degree of Risk- Some diseases and conditions are a combination of genetics and environmental or diet factors (like hip dysplasia).
My Opinion of Genetic Testing:
It is a wonderful tool to that can help a breeding program. Tests can be as cheap as $35 or $200-$300 per dog or more. Some people are fortunate enough to start a breeding program with expensive, valuable and genetically clear stock. Like many others, my hobby has grown out of my love for my first dogs and I am breeding up and away from what diseases and faults I find in my stock. Some people believe that only clear breeding stock should be used from the beginning but consider this: If we eliminated all of the dogs or horses or humans from the gene pool that had any health or genetic issues what-so-ever we might be left with maybe 20-30% of our breeding stock. Okay so the next few generations might be "perfectly healthy" but at what cost? Which strengths, instincts, personalities, talents, etc would we no longer have? And after those first few generations- how many other problems would quickly develop from the lack of genetic diversity?
I am striving to decrease health issues while maintaining original instincts, good personalities, and well balanced structure that can be both beautiful and functional. What I consider to be a complete animal. The more you focus on one particular trait the easier it is for another to slip away before you realize it. There is a breed of horse with a "head class" in it's horse shows. People started to breed horses to win that class and lost much of their once strong and beautiful body structure. And that is only one of hundreds of examples that can be found in many breeds and species.
Any canine ophthalmologist can confirm- the smaller the Collie eye, the more problems it can have.
Diseases that the CCA has listed with CHIC:
rcd2/PRA (rod-cone dysplasia type 2/Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
The above websites can help you research it. The disease usually causes night blindness in young puppies that progresses to complete blindness around the age of 1 year. Optigen has a $180 genetic test for it. Some symptoms can be seen during the puppy eye exam. All of my puppies have their eyes examined before they go home. My puppy prices do not include this genetic test. Please let me know if you would like to genetically test a puppy.
MDR1 (multiple drug resistance gene)
This is the gene mutation that causes Collies and related breeds and hybrids to be allergic to ivermectin, immodium AD, and almost 20 other drugs. Up to 70% of Collies either carry or are affected by it. 57% of tests submitted to the OFA are carriers or affected by this gene. If your dog is Affected by this gene it is just like you being allergic to penicillin or peanuts. You and your dog's health will not suffer unless you come into contact with whatever it is that you are allergic too. In most Collie cases it is drugs that a veterinarian has prescribed without knowing the dog's genetic status. BUT- there have been cases of dogs breaking into their heartworm pills or the medicine cabinet! Also there have been a few problems with ranch dogs that chewed on manure or meat/bones from recently wormed livestock. Or the ranch dogs came into contact the worming and insecticide drugs. Farmers and ranchers please be careful!!
Most Collies with Affected genetic test results can take the ivermectin heartworm preventatives just fine, but suffer from the higher doses often prescribed for mange mites. I do not currently test my puppies for this gene, but send them home the testing information. It is a simple cheek swab that costs about $70. I do not currently test my adults for this gene because we don't have heartworm in my area. If an adult needs a drug on the list we just assume "genetically affected" and dose low.
DMS
Dermatomyositis Auto immune disease where the body attacks it's self. The skin or in some cases muscle and organs. A genetic test has been developed but it only indicates genetic risk high to low. There are definitely environment, diet, sunlight, pollution risk factors and triggers. Some dogs with high risk dna never develop it, some dogs with low risk dna suffer severely. The most in depth disease description with pictures is on the American Shetland Sheepdog Association website. THANK YOU A.S.S.A.! There is also a good article on the Collie Health Foundation website.
Other common disease concerns in Collies:
Thyroid- not a genetic test. I only test a dog if they show symptoms. It costs pennies a day if they need medication. The OFA lists 13% of submitted tests as abnormal.
Hip Dysplasia- the OFA only reports 3% of submitted test x-rays as having problems. It is about $300 for me to OFA test and X-ray for this so I do this sparingly. The risk of hip dysplasia can be greatly reduced by adding Ester C vitamin to growing puppies diets. While it is true there is no scientific proof adding vitamin c helps, those same scientist can't explain why adding vitamin c to the diet suddenly improves x-ray results in the next generation either!
CEA/CH (Collie Eye Anomaly) - Causes blindness. It can be clearly seen during the puppy eye exam between 5 and 8 weeks of age. After the age of 8 weeks the
development of the puppy's eye makes it impossible to detect until it starts affecting the dog's vision. There is a genetic test. All of my puppies have
their eyes examined before they go home. My puppy prices do not include this genetic test, but they do include the puppy eye exam . Please let me know if you
would like to genetically test a puppy.
Cyclic Neutropenia (Grey Collie)- When puppies are genetically affected they are usually born with a silvering or grey cast to their color. Tricolors may or may not be born with a reddish cast. It is usually easy to see but some sable merles can be confusing with their normal silvering. Some genetically clear tricolors may go thru a reddish cast phase for a few weeks. Some sables appear to be a "pure" sable when the rest of their litter mates are dark sable. Genetically Affected puppies will die by the age of 1-2 years. One bone marrow transplant experiment resulted in a Collie living to the age of 5 years before dying of liver failure. I test my adults to avoid puppies born with it. Affected puppies should be euthanized as there is some physical pain involved in the later stages of the disease. Not to mention the pain of their loving families! Genetic Carriers do not suffer at all.
Genetic Cataracts - there is no gene test for this. A canine ophthalmologist can verify the presence of cataracts and in some cases if they are genetic or acquired scar tissue. This is why I certify my collies eyes with CERF or OFA.
Skin Anomalies- there are a few skin conditions that appear to be genetic, but gene tests have not been developed yet.
Zinc Responsive Dermatitis from a difficulty in absorbing zinc in the intestines.- No genetic test yet. Skin symptoms resemble sarcoptic mange but there are no mange mites to be found. Adding zinc sulfate to the diet solves the symptoms. Human zinc sulfate vitamins are very cheap, pennies a day. Skin symptoms may not be visible until the age of 2-3 years. Exposure to sunlight also aggravates the skin, especially on that long Collie nose. Collies with zinc issues should be house dogs. Unfortunately ZRD is often associated with autoimmune disorders and all ZRD dogs should be monitored by a veterinarian.
Special Note- You can temporarily cause the skin symptoms by adding to much calcium to the diet! To much calcium in the intestines can "bind up" the
zinc molecules making them inaccessible to the dog. When you look at your dog's diet- zinc OXIDE is poisonous to dogs! And that includes the zinc oxide
in some sunscreen lotions that people put on their dog's noses that the dog's then lick off! Puppies eating diaper rash ointments have had some serious
consequences!
von Willebrand's disease (uncontrolled bleeding) - there is a genetic test for this. It does not seem to be much of a problem in Collies currently. I test my adult Collies
for it. I have not had any bleeding problems so far. And I have not heard of any other Collies or breeders having issues with it.
Bloat - Please research canine bloat (gastric torsion) on the internet. There are several ways to prevent it. It is a major (and extremely painful) killer of Dobermans, Collies, Pyrenees and many other breeds. And it is almost completely preventable. Heavy worm loads and a large worm die off from worming medicines have triggered bloat. Feeding dry dog food "off schedule" or more than an hour later than normal, exercising within a few hours of a meal, etc. have triggered bloat. If you are worried about worms/worming causing bloat please ask me about my natural wormer schedule until my article is ready to post. There is a "stomach tack" operation that Great Dane breeders use a lot to prevent bloat for the life of the dog.
Degenerative Myleopathy- can affect the spine of dogs between the age of 7 and 14 years old. Symptoms resemble arthritis, hip dysplasia, and weakness in the rear legs. Disease usually progresses to total rear leg paralysis, but incredibly is NOT painful to the dog. Of course for the dog's loving family it is heart breaking to watch.
There is now a genetic test for DM for all dog breeds . A genetically affected dog might develop the condition, not will develop the condition. So there are other unknown factors involved. The OFA reports that so far 26% of genetically test Collies are Carriers. There are very few Affected genetic test results. So far I have only found one report of a Collie actually suffering the symptoms of DM.
Perfect Collie Eyes ? If you are looking for perfect Collie Eye Health the best plan is:
1. Remember that the smaller the Collie eye, the more genetic problems and physical problems it is likely to have.
1. A good Collie Puppy Eye check between the ages of 5 and 8 weeks old for eye conditions that can't be seen between 8 weeks and 1 year of age. (about $50)
2. Have the pup examined for CERF/OFA for issues that don't have gene tests yet. Some conditions may not develop until the age of 5 years or older so exams up to the age of 10 or 12 years might be a good idea. (about $50 each exam)
3. Genetically test the pup for rcd2/PRA and CEA/CH before you breed it so you can help, not hinder the breed.
I genetically test my breeding stock for rcd-2 PRA and CEA genes and I do the CAER eye exam every few years for other conditions that can develop throughout life. The CAER exam certificate expires within one year but since I have to travel out of state to get it done I aim for a road trip every 2-3 years with the gang.
Diseases that the CCA has listed with CHIC:
rcd2/PRA (rod-cone dysplasia type 2/Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
The above websites can help you research it. The disease usually causes night blindness in young puppies that progresses to complete blindness around the age of 1 year. Optigen has a $180 genetic test for it. Some symptoms can be seen during the puppy eye exam. All of my puppies have their eyes examined before they go home. My puppy prices do not include this genetic test. Please let me know if you would like to genetically test a puppy.
MDR1 (multiple drug resistance gene)
This is the gene mutation that causes Collies and related breeds and hybrids to be allergic to ivermectin, immodium AD, and almost 20 other drugs. Up to 70% of Collies either carry or are affected by it. 57% of tests submitted to the OFA are carriers or affected by this gene. If your dog is Affected by this gene it is just like you being allergic to penicillin or peanuts. You and your dog's health will not suffer unless you come into contact with whatever it is that you are allergic too. In most Collie cases it is drugs that a veterinarian has prescribed without knowing the dog's genetic status. BUT- there have been cases of dogs breaking into their heartworm pills or the medicine cabinet! Also there have been a few problems with ranch dogs that chewed on manure or meat/bones from recently wormed livestock. Or the ranch dogs came into contact the worming and insecticide drugs. Farmers and ranchers please be careful!!
Most Collies with Affected genetic test results can take the ivermectin heartworm preventatives just fine, but suffer from the higher doses often prescribed for mange mites. I do not currently test my puppies for this gene, but send them home the testing information. It is a simple cheek swab that costs about $70. I do not currently test my adults for this gene because we don't have heartworm in my area. If an adult needs a drug on the list we just assume "genetically affected" and dose low.
DMS
Dermatomyositis Auto immune disease where the body attacks it's self. The skin or in some cases muscle and organs. A genetic test has been developed but it only indicates genetic risk high to low. There are definitely environment, diet, sunlight, pollution risk factors and triggers. Some dogs with high risk dna never develop it, some dogs with low risk dna suffer severely. The most in depth disease description with pictures is on the American Shetland Sheepdog Association website. THANK YOU A.S.S.A.! There is also a good article on the Collie Health Foundation website.
Other common disease concerns in Collies:
Thyroid- not a genetic test. I only test a dog if they show symptoms. It costs pennies a day if they need medication. The OFA lists 13% of submitted tests as abnormal.
Hip Dysplasia- the OFA only reports 3% of submitted test x-rays as having problems. It is about $300 for me to OFA test and X-ray for this so I do this sparingly. The risk of hip dysplasia can be greatly reduced by adding Ester C vitamin to growing puppies diets. While it is true there is no scientific proof adding vitamin c helps, those same scientist can't explain why adding vitamin c to the diet suddenly improves x-ray results in the next generation either!
CEA/CH (Collie Eye Anomaly) - Causes blindness. It can be clearly seen during the puppy eye exam between 5 and 8 weeks of age. After the age of 8 weeks the
development of the puppy's eye makes it impossible to detect until it starts affecting the dog's vision. There is a genetic test. All of my puppies have
their eyes examined before they go home. My puppy prices do not include this genetic test, but they do include the puppy eye exam . Please let me know if you
would like to genetically test a puppy.
Cyclic Neutropenia (Grey Collie)- When puppies are genetically affected they are usually born with a silvering or grey cast to their color. Tricolors may or may not be born with a reddish cast. It is usually easy to see but some sable merles can be confusing with their normal silvering. Some genetically clear tricolors may go thru a reddish cast phase for a few weeks. Some sables appear to be a "pure" sable when the rest of their litter mates are dark sable. Genetically Affected puppies will die by the age of 1-2 years. One bone marrow transplant experiment resulted in a Collie living to the age of 5 years before dying of liver failure. I test my adults to avoid puppies born with it. Affected puppies should be euthanized as there is some physical pain involved in the later stages of the disease. Not to mention the pain of their loving families! Genetic Carriers do not suffer at all.
Genetic Cataracts - there is no gene test for this. A canine ophthalmologist can verify the presence of cataracts and in some cases if they are genetic or acquired scar tissue. This is why I certify my collies eyes with CERF or OFA.
Skin Anomalies- there are a few skin conditions that appear to be genetic, but gene tests have not been developed yet.
Zinc Responsive Dermatitis from a difficulty in absorbing zinc in the intestines.- No genetic test yet. Skin symptoms resemble sarcoptic mange but there are no mange mites to be found. Adding zinc sulfate to the diet solves the symptoms. Human zinc sulfate vitamins are very cheap, pennies a day. Skin symptoms may not be visible until the age of 2-3 years. Exposure to sunlight also aggravates the skin, especially on that long Collie nose. Collies with zinc issues should be house dogs. Unfortunately ZRD is often associated with autoimmune disorders and all ZRD dogs should be monitored by a veterinarian.
Special Note- You can temporarily cause the skin symptoms by adding to much calcium to the diet! To much calcium in the intestines can "bind up" the
zinc molecules making them inaccessible to the dog. When you look at your dog's diet- zinc OXIDE is poisonous to dogs! And that includes the zinc oxide
in some sunscreen lotions that people put on their dog's noses that the dog's then lick off! Puppies eating diaper rash ointments have had some serious
consequences!
von Willebrand's disease (uncontrolled bleeding) - there is a genetic test for this. It does not seem to be much of a problem in Collies currently. I test my adult Collies
for it. I have not had any bleeding problems so far. And I have not heard of any other Collies or breeders having issues with it.
Bloat - Please research canine bloat (gastric torsion) on the internet. There are several ways to prevent it. It is a major (and extremely painful) killer of Dobermans, Collies, Pyrenees and many other breeds. And it is almost completely preventable. Heavy worm loads and a large worm die off from worming medicines have triggered bloat. Feeding dry dog food "off schedule" or more than an hour later than normal, exercising within a few hours of a meal, etc. have triggered bloat. If you are worried about worms/worming causing bloat please ask me about my natural wormer schedule until my article is ready to post. There is a "stomach tack" operation that Great Dane breeders use a lot to prevent bloat for the life of the dog.
Degenerative Myleopathy- can affect the spine of dogs between the age of 7 and 14 years old. Symptoms resemble arthritis, hip dysplasia, and weakness in the rear legs. Disease usually progresses to total rear leg paralysis, but incredibly is NOT painful to the dog. Of course for the dog's loving family it is heart breaking to watch.
There is now a genetic test for DM for all dog breeds . A genetically affected dog might develop the condition, not will develop the condition. So there are other unknown factors involved. The OFA reports that so far 26% of genetically test Collies are Carriers. There are very few Affected genetic test results. So far I have only found one report of a Collie actually suffering the symptoms of DM.
Perfect Collie Eyes ? If you are looking for perfect Collie Eye Health the best plan is:
1. Remember that the smaller the Collie eye, the more genetic problems and physical problems it is likely to have.
1. A good Collie Puppy Eye check between the ages of 5 and 8 weeks old for eye conditions that can't be seen between 8 weeks and 1 year of age. (about $50)
2. Have the pup examined for CERF/OFA for issues that don't have gene tests yet. Some conditions may not develop until the age of 5 years or older so exams up to the age of 10 or 12 years might be a good idea. (about $50 each exam)
3. Genetically test the pup for rcd2/PRA and CEA/CH before you breed it so you can help, not hinder the breed.
I genetically test my breeding stock for rcd-2 PRA and CEA genes and I do the CAER eye exam every few years for other conditions that can develop throughout life. The CAER exam certificate expires within one year but since I have to travel out of state to get it done I aim for a road trip every 2-3 years with the gang.
Health Tested Collies and Collie Puppies/offspring: (all collie puppies get a collie puppy eye exam before going home)
Litter Puppy Laboritory Results Reason for test
Bear x Spring 2013 Tricolor male Vetgen Grey Collie Clear research of pup's temporary reddish color phase
Bear x Dee 2013 sable merle female Vetgen Grey Collie Clear verify sable merle silvering
Charm x Splash 2011 Athos Desert Smooth Move OFA normal eyes at 3 years old
Bear x Splash Abra's Desert Good Ol' Joe OFA normal eyes at 2 years old
A and R's Desert Charm OFA normal eyes at 6 years old, OFA good hips, normal thyroid function
A and R's Desert Delight OFA normal eyes at 5 years old
A and R's Desert Ice OFA normal eyes at 5 years old
Ice x Delight A and R's Desert Tundra OFA normal eyes at 3 years old
Abra's Desert Splash of Gold OFA normal eyes at 4 years old
Litter Puppy Laboritory Results Reason for test
Bear x Spring 2013 Tricolor male Vetgen Grey Collie Clear research of pup's temporary reddish color phase
Bear x Dee 2013 sable merle female Vetgen Grey Collie Clear verify sable merle silvering
Charm x Splash 2011 Athos Desert Smooth Move OFA normal eyes at 3 years old
Bear x Splash Abra's Desert Good Ol' Joe OFA normal eyes at 2 years old
A and R's Desert Charm OFA normal eyes at 6 years old, OFA good hips, normal thyroid function
A and R's Desert Delight OFA normal eyes at 5 years old
A and R's Desert Ice OFA normal eyes at 5 years old
Ice x Delight A and R's Desert Tundra OFA normal eyes at 3 years old
Abra's Desert Splash of Gold OFA normal eyes at 4 years old