This Internet site provides information about the Collie Health Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization devoted exclusively to Collie Health. The site will give an overview of the workings of the Foundation, its history, its mission, the latest updates on Grant Funding, current information about Health Issues that affect the collie breed and how to become a Foundation member. Most important, we have added a comprehensive Health Survey that will help us determine the current health status of the breed. Not sure where to look? Go to the Site Map for the answer!

Recently a few e-mails have circulated warning of the safety of two drugs used for the prevention of internal parasites in our Collies. One warns of neurological symptoms and brain damage caused by the use of Interceptor, a product whose safety has been proven over years of use in millions of dogs. The Breeder-Veterinarians that serve of the board of the Collie Health Foundation are not aware of any new scientific evidence to cause increased concern of the safety of this product for use in Collies.

Diethylcarbamazine or dimmitrol, a daily heartworm preventive, can be ordered here . . .

Another e-mail warns of Advantage Multi, which is a topical heartworm, flea and intestinal parasite preventive applied similarly to Frontline. This medication does contain ivermectin in the form of moxidectin, which if ingested, can cause serious side effects, even death in sensitive Collies. The warnings on the label and web-page of this product confirm this information. The Collie Breeder-Vets that serve on the Board of the Collie Health Foundation recommend for the safety of your Collies to use Frontline and Interceptor as an alternative.

As always, we encourage you to engage your trusted veterinarian and share your Collie's health history openly and be an advocate for the Collie's health by educating yourself at valid scientific and proven sources of information.

In addition, please be reminded that the Collie Health Foundation maintains a health incident and death survey site where we encourage you to report any and all health issues faced by your Collie. The information is anonymous and confidential.

http://www.colliehealth.org/healthtopics.html

 


The Collie Health Foundation is delighted to announce that 20 years of investment on the part of Collie breeders and researchers has finally yielded fruit! In an announcement dated April 24, 2008 to the Collie Health Foundation's grants chair, Steve Johns, Dr. Gregory Acland wrote,

"As I have discussed with you, our laboratory has at last identified the gene and mutation causing PRA in Collies, and now have a DNA test that is working reliably in our laboratory to distinguish affecteds, carriers and genetically clear dogs. This test should become available to Collie owners and breeders in the immediate future. I am extremely grateful for the support and cooperation that so many Collie breeders, owners, and organizations, particularly the Collie Health Foundation, have steadfastly provided over the years.

Sincerely, Gregory M. Acland, Professor of Medical Genetics, Cornell University"

Click to download Dr. Acland's poster presented at the ARVO conference download PRA poster

This is a spectacular breakthrough and is only realized as a result of the dedication and commitment of Collie breeders and Collie Health Foundation supporters over the last 20 years. We began funding PRA research in 1988 and since then, contributed $194,766 toward this goal. Further announcements will be forthcoming as soon as we know the availability to breeders of the PRA DNA test. Thank you to all supporters and contributors that made this achievement possible!

Check back here as we learn details of how to get your Collies tested.

For information on the history of the Collie Health Foundation's participation, go to this link:

http://www.colliehealth.org/pragrants.html