Here at Wilsong Border Collies, we strive to raise and breed Border Collies that have not only brains and beauty, but first and foremost have sound temperaments, good health and correct structure. We believe that when combined with socialization, healthy living, and healthy diet we can also achieve wonderful companions and family pets not to mention top performance and show dogs. Our dogs have their hips/elbows tested and certified by OFA, they are tested or cleared by parentage for TNS, CL and CEA/CH, if needed they are BAER tested and are certified by OFA, Penn Hip and are CERF tested. We believe with a breed so versatile the sky is the limit. We believe our dogs health, happiness and well being always comes first. Our dogs are a large part of our lives because...they're family. |
There are 4 main hereditary health issues when it comes to the Border Collie. These are known
as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL),Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
(TNS)and hip dysplasia.
COLLIE EYE ANOMALY (CEA)
CEA is the most common inherited disease for Border Collies. It is interesting to note that this is
not the only breed that can be affected, many of the larger breeds can pass it on. CEA is an
inherited disease affecting eye development. The major issue is 'choroidal hypoplasia', a pale
patch in the back of the eye caused by abnormal development of the choroid layer. In severe
cases can cause blindness. CEA refers to an inherited abnormality in the development of the
retina, optic nerve and choroid of the eye. These are all structures at the back of the eye
involved with the vision. CEA is a multi genetic trait, is present at birth and does not change with
age. There are varying degrees of abnormality with CEA. It can affect one eye or both, from a mild
case where vision may be reduced to severe CEA with retinal detachment and total loss of vision.
We are very fortunate that there is a DNA test for CEA to help breeders to choose appropriate
mating combinations. Please see the chart at the bottom of the page for mating combinations.
CEA test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both
the disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Mating combinations are chosen to make sure that no puppy will ever have the disease, be
affected by it.
It is never possible to guarantee that puppies will not suffer from eye problems because
although their parents may have been tested, some problems only appear when the dog is older.
Some eye conditions are inherited recessively.
NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS (CL)
This is an inherited disease, which is not contagious, but it is fatal and cannot be treated. It
affects the nervous system including the brain. Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is known as Battens
Disease in Humans.
CL has been found in other breeds of dogs i.e. Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, English Setters,
Miniature Schnauzers, Rough Collies, and Salukis as well as in Devon Cattle, South Hampshire
Sheep and in Siamese Cats
The occurrence of CL in Border Collies is not the fault of any one person or group. The defective
gene was carried by an imported dog at a time when the disease was unidentified. Since then, CL
has occurred sporadically, as most Australian bred Border Collies are descended from that dog.
Affected animals appear normal until aged approx 15 months. From that age any or all of the
following signs may be noted:
•Unreasonable apprehension or fear of familiar objects/surroundings
•sight disturbance,
•abnormal gait – is unsteady on feet and has difficulty in climbing or jumping, tends to prop or
goose step,
•demented behaviour,
•mania,
•hyperactivity,
•rage,
•disorientation,
•fixations,
•loss of toilet training,
•strange or abnormal behaviour
The progress and effect of the symptoms will steadily continue to deteriorate and medication
cannot improve the condition. Affected animals have all been euthanased by the age of 3½
years. CL symptoms can be confused with other brain disorders.
We are very fortunate that there is a DNA test for CL to help breeders to choose appropriate
mating combinations.
CL test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both the
disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Mating combinations are chosen to make sure that no puppy will ever have the disease or be
affected by it. See table at the bottom of the page for clarification.
TRAPPED NEUTROPHIL SYNDROME (TNS)
TNS stands for Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome. It is an immune deficiency in Border collies. It is an
inherited disorder that is very common in all populations of Border collies with more than 10% of
both working and show dogs carrying the defective gene and capable of having affected
puppies. Please note that occurrences of dogs affected with TNS are quite rare.
•TNS is a condition where the bone marrow produces neutrophils but they are not released into
the bloodstream. This results in an impaired immune system that cannot fight infections.
•Symptoms are variable, many of the reported TNS puppies have been born looking normal but
others have been born small.
•Some puppies with TNS have been small and fine boned with narrow heads at some point but
this may not be evident until approx 16 weeks.
•A common first sign is a bad reaction to vaccinations with signs of fever.
•Blood tests may show an abnormally low segmented neutrophil level but TNS can only be
definitely diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.
•Any puppy that shows any signs of infection or failure to thrive is a possible case of TNS.
•There is no cure for TNS and it appears to always be fatal eventually. Antibiotic and steroid
treatment can help affected dogs live a relatively active life.
•TNS is an autosomal recessive condition.
•The symptoms are extremely variable and will depend on the bacteria that the pup encounters.
There may also be other genes that effect the disease expression.
•Some dogs do not show symptoms until later in life. Older puppies & young adult dogs
diagnosed with immune system problems may have TNS so they should also be tested with the
DNA test
TNS test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both
the disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Other issues and diseases found in Border Collies are also shown below, once again the
incidence of these is small but can occur in the breed, hence the need for careful planning in
the mating of 2 animals.
CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip Dysplasia in dogs is a disease that is characterised by instability of the hip joint (laxity), pain
and eventually degenerative joint disease. Like most medium and large sized dogs, Border
Collies can be prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) which can cause mild to severe lameness. As
a dog approaches middle age, symptoms of CHD often show up as mild arthritis- the dog limps or
appears somewhat stiff after hard exercise or upon getting up from a nap. Often the dog seems
fine after he moves around and stretches himself a bit. These symptoms can become worse as
the dog ages. Treatment varies from pain management to several choices of surgery (including
total hip replacement). Please note: One of the major causes of CHD is rough play, or slipping on
floors or stairs as puppies.
Expected Results of Mating Combinations for Inherited Recessive Diseases
Parent 1
Parent 2
Normal Carrier Affected
Normal All = Normal 1/2 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers All = Carriers
Carrier 1/2 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers 1/4 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers
1/4 = Affected 1/2 = Carriers
1/2 = Affected
Affected All = Carriers 1/2 = Carriers
1/2 = Affected All = Affected
Acceptable Mating Combinations
DNA tested clear dog to clear dog = all offspring clear.
DNA tested clear dog to carrier dog = acceptable as this will not
produce any affected pups. Offspring will be clear or carrier.
DNA tested clear dog to affected dog = acceptable as this will not
produce any affected pups. All offspring will be carriers.
as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL),Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
(TNS)and hip dysplasia.
COLLIE EYE ANOMALY (CEA)
CEA is the most common inherited disease for Border Collies. It is interesting to note that this is
not the only breed that can be affected, many of the larger breeds can pass it on. CEA is an
inherited disease affecting eye development. The major issue is 'choroidal hypoplasia', a pale
patch in the back of the eye caused by abnormal development of the choroid layer. In severe
cases can cause blindness. CEA refers to an inherited abnormality in the development of the
retina, optic nerve and choroid of the eye. These are all structures at the back of the eye
involved with the vision. CEA is a multi genetic trait, is present at birth and does not change with
age. There are varying degrees of abnormality with CEA. It can affect one eye or both, from a mild
case where vision may be reduced to severe CEA with retinal detachment and total loss of vision.
We are very fortunate that there is a DNA test for CEA to help breeders to choose appropriate
mating combinations. Please see the chart at the bottom of the page for mating combinations.
CEA test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both
the disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Mating combinations are chosen to make sure that no puppy will ever have the disease, be
affected by it.
It is never possible to guarantee that puppies will not suffer from eye problems because
although their parents may have been tested, some problems only appear when the dog is older.
Some eye conditions are inherited recessively.
NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS (CL)
This is an inherited disease, which is not contagious, but it is fatal and cannot be treated. It
affects the nervous system including the brain. Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is known as Battens
Disease in Humans.
CL has been found in other breeds of dogs i.e. Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, English Setters,
Miniature Schnauzers, Rough Collies, and Salukis as well as in Devon Cattle, South Hampshire
Sheep and in Siamese Cats
The occurrence of CL in Border Collies is not the fault of any one person or group. The defective
gene was carried by an imported dog at a time when the disease was unidentified. Since then, CL
has occurred sporadically, as most Australian bred Border Collies are descended from that dog.
Affected animals appear normal until aged approx 15 months. From that age any or all of the
following signs may be noted:
•Unreasonable apprehension or fear of familiar objects/surroundings
•sight disturbance,
•abnormal gait – is unsteady on feet and has difficulty in climbing or jumping, tends to prop or
goose step,
•demented behaviour,
•mania,
•hyperactivity,
•rage,
•disorientation,
•fixations,
•loss of toilet training,
•strange or abnormal behaviour
The progress and effect of the symptoms will steadily continue to deteriorate and medication
cannot improve the condition. Affected animals have all been euthanased by the age of 3½
years. CL symptoms can be confused with other brain disorders.
We are very fortunate that there is a DNA test for CL to help breeders to choose appropriate
mating combinations.
CL test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both the
disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Mating combinations are chosen to make sure that no puppy will ever have the disease or be
affected by it. See table at the bottom of the page for clarification.
TRAPPED NEUTROPHIL SYNDROME (TNS)
TNS stands for Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome. It is an immune deficiency in Border collies. It is an
inherited disorder that is very common in all populations of Border collies with more than 10% of
both working and show dogs carrying the defective gene and capable of having affected
puppies. Please note that occurrences of dogs affected with TNS are quite rare.
•TNS is a condition where the bone marrow produces neutrophils but they are not released into
the bloodstream. This results in an impaired immune system that cannot fight infections.
•Symptoms are variable, many of the reported TNS puppies have been born looking normal but
others have been born small.
•Some puppies with TNS have been small and fine boned with narrow heads at some point but
this may not be evident until approx 16 weeks.
•A common first sign is a bad reaction to vaccinations with signs of fever.
•Blood tests may show an abnormally low segmented neutrophil level but TNS can only be
definitely diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.
•Any puppy that shows any signs of infection or failure to thrive is a possible case of TNS.
•There is no cure for TNS and it appears to always be fatal eventually. Antibiotic and steroid
treatment can help affected dogs live a relatively active life.
•TNS is an autosomal recessive condition.
•The symptoms are extremely variable and will depend on the bacteria that the pup encounters.
There may also be other genes that effect the disease expression.
•Some dogs do not show symptoms until later in life. Older puppies & young adult dogs
diagnosed with immune system problems may have TNS so they should also be tested with the
DNA test
TNS test results are either Normal/Clear- which means that the dog is completely free of both
the disease and also does not carrying the gene which will produce the disease. This dog can be
mated to a clear dog or a carrier dog without passing on the condition.
Carrier- this means that the dog does not have the disease but carries the gene which may
produce the disease. A dog that is a carrier of a disease can be mated with another that is clear
and all of the progeny from this litter will be free of the disease. Under no circumstances should
a carrier of a disease be mated with another carrier or affected of the same disease.
Affected- A dog has the described disease. A dog which is affected with a disease can be bred
with another dog that is clear of the same disease and all of the puppies from the mating will be
not be affected with the disease but will all be carriers.
Other issues and diseases found in Border Collies are also shown below, once again the
incidence of these is small but can occur in the breed, hence the need for careful planning in
the mating of 2 animals.
CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA
Hip Dysplasia in dogs is a disease that is characterised by instability of the hip joint (laxity), pain
and eventually degenerative joint disease. Like most medium and large sized dogs, Border
Collies can be prone to Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) which can cause mild to severe lameness. As
a dog approaches middle age, symptoms of CHD often show up as mild arthritis- the dog limps or
appears somewhat stiff after hard exercise or upon getting up from a nap. Often the dog seems
fine after he moves around and stretches himself a bit. These symptoms can become worse as
the dog ages. Treatment varies from pain management to several choices of surgery (including
total hip replacement). Please note: One of the major causes of CHD is rough play, or slipping on
floors or stairs as puppies.
Expected Results of Mating Combinations for Inherited Recessive Diseases
Parent 1
Parent 2
Normal Carrier Affected
Normal All = Normal 1/2 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers All = Carriers
Carrier 1/2 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers 1/4 = Normal
1/2 = Carriers
1/4 = Affected 1/2 = Carriers
1/2 = Affected
Affected All = Carriers 1/2 = Carriers
1/2 = Affected All = Affected
Acceptable Mating Combinations
DNA tested clear dog to clear dog = all offspring clear.
DNA tested clear dog to carrier dog = acceptable as this will not
produce any affected pups. Offspring will be clear or carrier.
DNA tested clear dog to affected dog = acceptable as this will not
produce any affected pups. All offspring will be carriers.
| Border Collie Health Issues |
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| border collie puppies for sale |
| WILSONG BORDER COLLIES WWW.WILSONGBORDERCOLLIES.COM ROBERT, LOUISIANA USA PHONE 985 542 2039 EMAIL |
| border collie puppies for sale |
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| "AKC Border Collies Bred for Show, Performance & Companions" |
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