The Collie eye anomaly, also known as the Collie eye defect, is a hereditary and congenital disorder that tragically affects dogs. This illness is caused by a mutation in a certain chromosome, and regrettably, it can even cause the retinas to detach, but that’s in some rare cases. The poor animals! And as if all of that weren’t bad enough, it may be difficult to identify this eye abnormality until the dog really starts to lose its vision. If you observe any symptoms of this illness in your dog, you should schedule an appointment with his or her veterinarian as soon as possible.
The Causes Behind the Collie Eye Anomaly
The unfortunate reality for dogs afflicted with this eye abnormality is that it is sometimes challenging to diagnose the condition until the dog really starts to lose its vision. The Collie eye abnormality represents a genetic condition that manifests in dogs when chromosome 37 develops a malfunction. Unfortunately, the following canine breeds are most likely to be affected by this condition:
- Border Collies
- Rough Collies
- Smooth Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Shetland Sheepdogs
The disease is also hereditary, which means that it can only be detected in dogs who have at least one parent that carries the genetically altered chromosome.
The symptoms
The following are some of the signs:
- Eyeballs that give the impression of being smaller than normal.
- Eyeballs are starting to get settled within their sockets.
- Eyes with a haze.
Treatment Options Available for Dogs Suffering From Collie Eye Anomaly
There is no guarantee that a dog that gets the illness will eventually exhibit symptoms of blindness. However, if you see that your dog is beginning to have eye problems, you should consult your veterinarian about available treatments. Your dog’s whole medical history, as well as its breeding history, will be examined by the vet.
In severe circumstances, such as when a dog is afflicted with retinal detachment, veterinary professionals may elect to perform a surgical operation in order to assist in mitigating the negative consequences of the condition. Providing assistance to your canine companion by remaining by its side at all times and working together with the veterinarian are highly recommended.
