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Collie Health

Collies are generally a very healthy breed thanks to decades of research and selective breeding. While they can be predisposed to certain genetic disorders, responsible breeders test their breeding stock to minimize the risk of these disorders being inherited and expressed. 

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Superstition Collies looks to preserve the health of the Collie breed. Puppies are taken for eye exams at 8 weeks old to a board-certified ophthalmologist. Breeding stock undergo additional radiological and DNA testing to screen for genetic diseases before breeding. 

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Superstition Collies is a proud member of the Collie Health Foundation and is enrolled in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program.

Conditions Commonly Tested For

Hip Dysplasia

Characterized by abnormal formation of the hip joint which can cause lameness, stiffness, and pain. Hip dysplasia typically results in arthritis in the hips.

Elbow Dysplasia

Characterized by abnormal formation of the elbow joint which can cause lameness, instability, swelling, and pain. Elbow dysplasia typically results in damage to the cartilage around the elbow.

Multi-Drug Resistance Mutation (MDR1)

Characterized by abnormal formation of the elbow joint which can cause lameness, instability, swelling, and pain. Elbow dysplasia typically results in damage to the cartilage around the elbow.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Affects inner structures of the eye to varying degrees dependent on the severity of the malformation. Certain grades have no effect on vision. CEA generally does not worsen vision over time.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Characterized by thinning of the retina, puppies born with PRA typically display night blindness by 6-8 weeks of age and are often fully blind by 6-8 months of age.

Dermatomyositis (DMS)

Autoimmune disorder that affects skin and muscle. Often presents as lesions on the face, feet, or tail, muscle wasting, and difficulty swallowing. 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

A relentlessly progressive disease of the spinal cord characterized by loss of coordination and weakness in rear legs, eventually leading to complete paraplegia and urinary and fecal incontinence.

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