There are many health problems that can affect a Rough Collie. Some of these problems are related to the Breed and its genetics. Other issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy, which are all orthopedic problems. Additionally, there are gingival hyperplasia problems, which can cause the gums to become enlarged and causing chewing problems.

Breed history

While Rough Collies are generally healthy, some can be affected by a genetic disorder. One such disease, called collie eye anomaly, results in abnormal development of the eye and can lead to blindness. Another disease that can affect Rough Collies is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes the degeneration of the retina in both eyes. While this condition is not common in Rough Collies, it should be investigated by a veterinarian if it is suspected.

The rough collie breed was popularized during the 19th century. This was in part due to the popularity of the famous movie, “Lassie.” It was a success story for the breed, as it went from being a common farm dog to being a beloved family pet. Unfortunately, the popularity of the Rough Collie sparked some problems as opportunistic breeders started flooding the market with puppies. These breeding practices also led to increased health problems among these dogs.

While rough collies were initially used as livestock dogs, they gained popularity as pets and show dogs in the late 1800s. The first English Rough Collies were imported to the United States in 1879, and the breed soon became a popular show dog.

Genetic health problems

Certain types of cancer are common in Rough Collies. These cancers can be treated surgically or with chemotherapy, but they require early diagnosis. Your veterinarian will check your dog for signs of cancer with periodic blood tests and look for any lumps or bumps in the dog’s abdomen. Some dogs are also prone to umbilical hernias. These lumps grow in size and cause pain.

Some of these conditions are inherited. For example, a dog with the PRA gene is likely to go blind. However, you can prevent many of these health problems by raising your dog properly. To learn more about raising your dog in a manner that will keep your dog healthy, see 11 Things to Do Right

Some Rough Collies may develop eye conditions due to genetic problems. Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease of the muscles and skin in young Rough Collies. It is caused by a defect in the immune system, and is passed on genetically. If either parent has the condition, the puppy will inherit this genetic defect. Affected dogs should not be used for breeding.

Diet

Rough collies are known for their sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin, and a well-balanced diet can help your pooch avoid common dog health problems. Prescription Diet Rough Collie Food is designed to provide the proper nutrition for your dog. It contains prebiotic fibre that supports your dog’s digestive and skin health. It is not recommended for dogs with specific food allergies.

It is important to consider your dog’s activity level when selecting a diet for your Rough collie. If your dog is active and has a high energy level, a diet that has higher protein and fat content may be appropriate. Talk to your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet.

If your dog is allergic to certain foods, consider a grain-free diet. It will provide your pooch with more protein than a grain-based food. In addition to meat and grain-free carbohydrates, it also contains fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring that your pooch is getting balanced nutrition.

Some Rough Collies are susceptible to skin diseases, including dermatomyositis. This is a serious problem that affects the skin and muscles. It is caused by a defect in the immune system and is inherited. If one parent has the disease, the puppies will likely have this condition as well. If a pet has a history of this disorder, they should not be used for breeding.

Exercise

A Rough Collie needs daily exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While the exercise requirements of an adult Rough Collie are the same as that of a puppy, their physical needs may be different. Without adequate exercise, they may develop health problems and behavior problems. A Rough Collie’s natural instinct is to herd everything, which can lead to behavior problems.

A Collie with hip dysplasia may need surgery to repair damaged joints or the hip socket. Fortunately, this problem is extremely rare, and less than 3% of Collies suffer from it. Still, it can cause pain and an uncoordinated gait. If you think your Collie is suffering from this problem, be sure to get him to the vet as soon as possible.

The condition is not curable, but it can be prevented. Regular vet visits and a well-balanced diet are essential. Rough collies do well on high-quality meat-based food. They do not do well on raw or undercooked foods.

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common health problem for collie dogs. It can cause serious behavioral problems if you leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Although collies are fine to be left alone for four to six hours a day, leaving them alone for longer periods can lead to separation anxiety.

A common symptom of separation anxiety is barking. Although barking is a natural reaction, it may indicate that your dog is stressed. This behavior can also lead to damage to your home. Your dog will be unable to relax properly and will likely exhibit destructive behaviors.

The best way to treat separation anxiety is to seek veterinary help. Your veterinarian can prescribe a medication to control your dog’s anxiety. These medications can be either traditional drugs or homeopathic remedies. Depending on your dog’s level of severity, natural treatment may be the best option.

Separation anxiety is a common health problem among Rough Collies, though it is more prevalent in those from shelters or dogs that have been abused. However, it can affect Rough Collies of all backgrounds. Therefore, you should keep an eye out for symptoms of anxiety in your Rough Collie and take steps to remedy the problem.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition that can lead to decreased mobility. It can affect either one or both hips, and may lead to pain and laxity of the muscles and joint capsule. The joint capsule is a strong band of connective tissue that provides stability and support for the hip joint. When hip dysplasia is not corrected, articular surfaces do not make contact with each other and the bones separate. The symptoms of hip dysplasia can be mild or severe.

Hip dysplasia affects approximately one out of every three Collies, and is often due to genetics. If your Colllie has hip dysplasia, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. Fortunately, hip dysplasia in Collies is rare; less than three percent of the breed develops the disease.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia will develop gradually over several years. Dogs that are overweight or obese are more likely to develop the disease than those of normal weight. Proper body weight management and daily light exercise can help to manage the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Exercise can also help strengthen the muscles that support the hip joints. You should consult your veterinarian to learn more about possible treatment options.

Bloat

Bloat is a serious health problem that can affect your dog. It is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, and can be life-threatening. This stomach condition is caused by a blockage in the stomach’s esophagus, which blocks blood circulation and causes the stomach to become bloated. It is crucial to treat this problem as soon as possible. The severity of bloat varies from dog to dog, but it is very serious and should not be ignored.

While this health problem is uncommon in collies, it can occur in some dogs. Fortunately, it can be prevented by choosing healthy, well-bred dogs. You can learn more about this breed’s unique health issues by talking with professionals in your area. Dog walkers and vets are excellent sources of recommendations for care.

If your dog bloats, seek veterinary treatment immediately. This condition can lead to a fatal episode in a few hours. To reduce the risk of gastric dilatation, avoid feeding your dog from a raised bowl. In addition, avoid allowing your dog to eat too fast.