Hereditary Defects Advice - Collie Eye Anomoly (C.E.A.)

Collie Eye Anomaly has been given more cause for concern in recent times than any other problem. This can only be because people have knowingly bred from affected stock or known carriers. This is a practice which the B.C.C. of G.B. committee most strongly condemns. Now that a DNA Test is available there is no excuse. Although a DNA Test is available the committee strongly encourage the BVA Eye Testing Scheme. This Testing can highlight other problems then CEA.

CEA. is produced by recessive genes. This means that to produce an affected offspring, BOTH parents MUST be carriers or of course affected. We endorse the recommendations made by the International Sheepdog Society that neither parents nor affected offspring should be bred from. If we do not act strongly on this and are not scrupulously honest, we could ruin a breed in a few generations. Once established, it will be almost impossible to eradicate. If you really care for this breed, then join us in taking the following precautions.

Get all Dogs DNA Tested and BVA Eye Tested. As previously mentioned, the latter test can highlight other problems that may exist. It there are any affected dogs they may not necessarily go blind and may, on vetinary advice, be placed in pet homes. In this case though, the future owner should be made fully aware of all the facts and should be willing to have the animal neutered when old enough to ensure that there are no "accidents". A proportion of the purchase price should be refunded when you have a veterinary letter confirming that the animal has been neutered.

It goes to say, do not breed from affected stock, or parents of affected stock.

Make the information public. The more people who are willing, to stand up and be counted on this, the better for the breed. Also notify the Club Secretary.

For more information on Testing please go to http://www.optigen.com/