What have breeders done to improve Collie eyes?
When the eye problem was discovered more than 50 years ago, it was estimated that 90% of the Collie population was afflicted with some form of eye disease. Because CEA has involved such a large percentage of the breed, eradication has been slow . Over the years, with selective breeding and eye checking of breeding stock, the numbers of affected Collies has greatly reduced. ALL reputable breeders eye check not only their breeding stock, but all puppies that are offered for sale. How is CEA inherited? Most of the specialists agree that Choroidal Hypoplasia is carried as a simple recessive. For a dog to show symptoms, both parents, even if they show no signs themselves, must carry a gene for the condition. Evidence exists that some other parts of the syndrome are inherited differently. Staphyloma, for instance, rarely occurs except in the presence of Choroidal Hypoplasia. Dogs recommended for breeding will vary according to the standard set by the individual doctor. The ideal, of course,
