Australian Shepherd

This is a common skeletal condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to pain and arthritis. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for hip dysplasia before breeding. Management includes weight control, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.

Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and can cause pain and lameness. Early diagnosis and management are important to minimize the impact on the dog's quality of life. Treatment options include pain management, physical therapy, and surgery.

This is a degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to blindness. Genetic testing can identify carriers of PRA, allowing breeders to make informed decisions to reduce the incidence of this condition. There is no cure for PRA, but affected dogs can often adapt well to vision loss.

This inherited eye disease affects the retina, choroid, and sclera. Severity can range from mild to severe, with some dogs experiencing vision loss. Genetic testing is available to identify carriers, and breeders should screen their dogs for CEA.

Some Australian Shepherds carry a mutation in the MDR1 gene, making them sensitive to certain drugs, including some dewormers and chemotherapy medications. A simple genetic test can determine if a dog carries this mutation, allowing veterinarians to adjust medication dosages accordingly.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures. While the cause is often unknown (idiopathic epilepsy), it can be managed with medication. Regular veterinary checkups are essential for dogs with epilepsy.