A geneticist makes strides in understanding a complex disorder affecting canines and humans. By Clinton Colmenares “Lassie, come home!” But first, Clemson genetics researcher Leigh Anne Clark, would like to get a cheek swab to study your genes. Anyone who has had a 5-pound Yorkie or 90-pound Lab nudge her hand, requesting a scratch under [...]
Dermatomyositis: A Breeder’s Nightmare – Thoughts from a Breeder* By Robette Johns This article is to help breeders understand more about Dermatomyositis, (DMS). First, it’s not the end of the world. Second, openness about this disease will help other breeders and the Collie Breed. Lastly, if we can recognize that we are in a remarkable time [...]
WHAT IS OFA? by Gayle Kaye OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. It was founded in 1966 as a private “not for profit” foundation. Originally the purpose of the organization was to "provide a standardized evaluation for hip dysplasia and to serve as a data base for control of hip dysplasia through selective breeding." [...]
HIP DYSPLASIA by Gayle Kaye Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket and in its more severe form it can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs and it is one of the most studied veterinary [...]
Degenerative Myelopathy - the other DM that can affect Collies... By Nancy Kelso, DVM Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that causes weakness, and eventually inability to walk in the rear legs. It has long been know to exist in German Shepherds, Corgis and over 50 breeds. It has long been [...]
Multidrug Sensitivity By Sue Floyd, VMD Some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain drugs than other breeds. Collies and related breeds, for instance, can have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving many different drugs. These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1 gene.) Dogs with the mutant [...]
Canine Health Information Center “CHIC” by Gayle Kaye CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Working with parent clubs, CHIC provides an important resource for breeders and owners of participating purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health [...]
GASTRIC DILATATION AND VOLVULUS By Cindi Bossart, VMD Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is an acute life-threatening disorder in dogs. It is considered a medical/surgical emergency. The earlier this disorder is recognized and treated, the better the chance of survival. Gastric dilatation begins with distention of the stomach primarily with air, but the distention may [...]
Familial Canine Dermatomyositis: A Breeder’s Nightmare, Nancy Kelso, D.V.M. Dermatomyositis (DMS) is a frightening disease, which seems to appear out of no where. It hurts the breeder, the pet owner, and most importantly, the dog. All collie fanciers should understand this disease, what is known and what is not, and take steps to eliminate this [...]
