Understanding Health Risks in Shetland Sheepdogs

Quick answer

Shetland Sheepdogs are wonderful companions, but they are prone to a few specific health conditions that require proactive monitoring. While some of these, like eye defects, are present from birth, others such as high blood pressure or immune-mediated issues may develop as your dog ages. By staying observant of changes in your dog's vision, energy levels, or skin health, you can work with your vet to manage these conditions effectively and ensure your pet maintains a good quality of life.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie Eye Anomaly is a widespread heritable defect in this breed. This is a recognised tendency rather than a proven one. Because the condition affects the development of the structures within the eye, it is typically something that is present from birth. Owners often do not notice anything unusual because the dog may have adapted to their level of vision from a young age.

Your veterinarian will examine the back of the eye using an ophthalmoscope to look for characteristic changes in the retina and the optic nerve. If your dog seems to bump into furniture or struggles to navigate in low light, this warrants a professional eye examination. There is no cure for the structural changes caused by this condition, but your vet can help you understand the extent of your dog's vision and how to make their environment safer.

Systemic Hypertension

Systemic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition can be difficult to spot at home because it often presents with very few outward signs until damage has already occurred to vital organs like the eyes, kidneys, or brain.

At the clinic, your vet will use a specialized cuff, similar to those used for humans, to measure your dog's blood pressure. It is important that your dog is calm during this process, as stress can artificially elevate the readings. If your dog shows sudden signs of blindness, disorientation, or increased thirst, these are indicators that require immediate veterinary attention. Managing hypertension usually involves a combination of medication and dietary adjustments to protect your dog's long-term organ health.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a condition where the immune system becomes overactive, and Shetland Sheepdogs are noted to be predisposed. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. Because this condition can affect many different parts of the body, the symptoms are highly variable. You might notice skin lesions, particularly on the face or ears, lameness due to joint inflammation, or general signs of illness like fever and lethargy.

Diagnosing this condition often involves a series of tests, including blood work to look for specific antibodies and sometimes skin biopsies to confirm the presence of the disease. Because the symptoms can mimic other illnesses, your vet will need to rule out infections or other inflammatory conditions first. Treatment typically involves managing the immune response with medication to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the body's tissues.

Managing Your Dog's Health

The most common mistake owners make is assuming that a change in behavior or appearance is just a normal part of aging. Because these conditions are well recognised in the breed, any persistent change should be investigated. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe. If your dog seems 'off,' or if you notice something that does not look right, contact your veterinary clinic to discuss your observations. They will decide the urgency based on the specific symptoms you describe and the results of a physical examination.