What are the most common genetic diseases?
There are many diseases that affect Australian Shepherds. The most common of these are eye diseases include: • Cataracts • CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly) • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) • Detached Retinas • Colobomas • Small eye Other diseases that commonly affect Aussies are: • CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia) • vWD (von Willebrand’s Disease) • PH (Pelger-Huet) • Epilepsy Eye and hip problems are much more common than any of the others, so be sure that breeders have clearances on hips (OFA, PennHIP, GDC) and eyes (CERF, GDC) for all their breeding stock. For more information on genetic diseases in Aussies, contact: C.A. Sharp – helix@qnis.
