Page 339 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

INHERITED DISORDERS

Eye problems in the Shar Pei
Entropion, a painful inrolling of the eyelids, is common in
the Shar Pei, usually developing in very young puppies.
Both upper and lower eyelids may be affected.

Various breeds of collie (Smooth and
Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdog, and
Australian Shepherd) and some other breeds
are affected by a disorder known as collie
eye anomaly (CEA), in which there are
abnormalities in the choroid, a layer of
tissue at the back of the eye. CEA can be
detected from birth, so puppies are
Inherited blood disorders
examined before they are three months old. Many breeds, including the German Shorthaired
The mildest form of CEA has little effect on Pointer, can be affected by Von Willebrand’s disease, an
inherited blood clotting disorder.
sight, but the most severe form can cause
blindness. DNA screening is available.
opposite). In the past, eye conditions
SCREENING FOR DISEASE such as PRA and CEA could be identified
Routine screening is important in reducing only by examination, but the advent
the incidence of inherited diseases. For of DNA screening has improved the Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
hip and elbow dysplasia, dogs are screened chances of detecting both these and Collies such as the Australian Shepherd must be
checked as puppies for CEA, because early signs
by having radiographs taken (see box many other inherited diseases. can be masked as the dog matures.

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