Australian Shepherds: Health and Genetic Conditions

Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized herding breed that has risen sharply in popularity as a family companion over the last few decades. With their intelligence, loyalty, athleticism and lively temperament, it’s easy to understand the appeal of Aussies. However, the increase in irresponsible breeding of Australian Shepherds has also led to more dogs being affected by genetic health conditions. It is crucial for current and prospective owners to understand the most prevalent inherited diseases found in Australian Shepherds. This knowledge allows them to identify health-focused breeders who screen for these issues, recognize symptoms early on, and seek proper veterinary diagnosis and treatment if needed.

This article aims to provide a thorough overview of the major genetic and congenital health conditions known to be more common in Australian Shepherds compared to some other breeds. Being informed enables owners and ethical breeders to better manage these conditions proactively through careful selective breeding, routine wellness exams, diagnostic testing, lifestyle adjustments, and prompt intervention when necessary. This empowers them to maximize the lifespan and quality of life for affected Aussies through proper care.

Hip Dysplasia in Australian Shepherds

One of the most widespread and impactful health issues seen in Australian Shepherds is canine hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is an inherited polygenic trait that results in malformed hip joints. The ball and socket of the hips do not fit smoothly together, causing friction, inflammation, osteoarthritic degeneration, and secondary joint laxity over time. Hip dysplasia causes significant pain, lameness, and disability.

Veterinarians estimate that approximately 15-20% of Australian Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia, though the true percentage is likely higher, as many dogs experience only milder changes. Onset of clinical signs like limping and difficulty moving typically occurs between 6-12 months old as the dysplastic hips progressively worsen. Without intervention, most dogs with hip dysplasia go on to develop secondary degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.

To proactively identify dogs predisposed to passing on hip dysplasia genetically, responsible Australian Shepherd breeders have their breeding candidates evaluated objectively for hip conformation through radiographs submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for scoring. They will only breed Aussies rated excellent or good through this stringent process. There is also a genetic marker DNA test that indicates an estimated risk for hip dysplasia.

Beyond careful selective breeding, other preventative measures like ensuring proper nutrition for musculoskeletal development, keeping puppies and adolescents lean to avoid stressing joints, providing appropriate exercise, and supplementing with glucosamine/chondroitin may help decrease risk for dysplasia development somewhat. However, some cases still arise primarily from genetic factors.

Signs of hip dysplasia that owners may notice in affected Aussies includes limping and soreness, difficulty standing up and lying down, loss of muscle mass in rear legs, bunny-hopping gait, swaying walk, popping sounds from joints, reduced activity level due to discomfort, and trouble ascending stairs. Several surgical options like total hip replacement and medical management approaches including weight management, exercise modification, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, and stem cell or PRP regenerative therapies can all dramatically improve an affected dog’s comfort and quality of life if addressed early before arthritis becomes severe.

Elbow Dysplasia in Australian Shepherds

Elbow dysplasia is another common orthopedic developmental disease frequently seen in Australian Shepherd dogs. This refers to multiple different anatomical abnormalities of the elbow joints that lead to articular cartilage damage, osteoarthritic changes, and lameness. Onset is often between 4-8 months old as the dysplastic elbow changes worsen.

While elbow dysplasia occurs less frequently than hip dysplasia in Australian Shepherds, it likely affects a significant number, estimated between 5-15%. However, limited research has been conducted specifically on elbow dysplasia prevalence in the breed.

To screen potential breeding Aussies for susceptibility to elbow dysplasia, responsible breeders will submit elbow radiographs for evaluation by specialized veterinary radiologists. They will only breed dogs found to have normal elbow joint conformation. There are no current genetic marker DNA tests available to screen for elbow dysplasia.

Signs of elbow dysplasia an owner may first notice include the front limb limping, holding one or both elbows out from the body, difficulty rising, and swelling or thickening around the elbow joints. Custom stem cell regenerative treatments, arthroscopic surgery, rehabilitation exercise protocols, and pain management medications can help treat affected dogs. Providing joint supplements like glucosamine and moderating high-impact exercise may help decrease the risk for dysplasia somewhat as well. But again, hereditary factors play a primary role.

Collie Eye Anomaly in Australian Shepherds

Collie Eye Anomaly is one of the most common congenital eye defects widely found in Australian Shepherds today. This inherited condition disrupts normal eye development, often leading to vision deficits ranging from mild to severe. There are different forms of Collie Eye Anomaly depending on the nature and location of the abnormalities. In some cases, affected dogs may become completely blind later in life.

To identify dogs at risk for passing Collie Eye Anomaly to offspring, responsible Australian Shepherd breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated annually by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. This specialist examination allows detection of even subtle abnormalities in structure. Only dogs found to be genetically clear of Collie Eye Anomaly should be used for breeding.

Signs a pet owner may notice in an affected Aussie includes vision issues like trouble seeing at dusk, enlarged or distorted pupils, and changes to the optic nerve head appearance. Unfortunately, there is no medical or surgical treatment to correct the congenital malformations causing vision impairment with Collie Eye Anomaly at this time. However, most dogs learn to adapt well to mild or moderate vision deficits. Living with a blind or significantly vision impaired dog does take some lifestyle adjustments, but is very manageable with time and care.

Epilepsy in Australian Shepherds

Idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure disorder that appears to occur more frequently in Australian Shepherds compared to some other breeds. Approximately 5-10% of Aussies will suffer from recurrent epileptic seizures during their lifetime. Seizures from epilepsy generally first begin sometime between 1-5 years old in affected dogs. They may occur as a single isolated event or in clusters.

While extremely distressing for an owner to witness, epileptic seizures themselves are not directly life-threatening if properly managed and monitored. The bigger risk stems from possible injuries during a seizure. Anti-seizure medications like phenobarbital and potassium bromide are usually very effective in controlling seizures in affected Australian Shepherds, allowing most dogs to have a good quality of life. Combination therapy is sometimes needed for adequate control.

The specific gene mutation responsible for epilepsy in Australian Shepherds has not yet been identified, so genetic screening is not yet possible. Responsible breeders should aim to breed Aussies from lines lacking any history of seizures for multiple generations to lower risk of perpetuating epilepsy, along with placing spay/neuter contracts on affected dogs.

Deafness in Australian Shepherds

Congenital hereditary deafness is an issue found more commonly in Australian Shepherds exhibiting excessively diluted pigmentation and extensive white spotting patterns. Breeding two merle-patterned Aussies together often increases the incidence of deaf puppies being produced, as the merle gene is linked to deafness risk when homozygous. Reputable breeders will therefore BAER hearing test all breeding dogs and only breed those with normal hearing.

Unilateral (one ear) or bilateral (both ears) deafness impairs an Australian Shepherd’s ability to respond to commands, sounds, and hazards in their environment. While challenging, deaf dogs can still make wonderful family companions. Accommodations like training them using hand signals, vibration cues, and close supervision allow deaf Aussies to adapt and thrive. However, appropriate steps should always be taken to prevent perpetuation of deafness in future generations through spay/neuter. Breeders and owners must recognize signs of deafness early on and respond accordingly.

Hypothyroidism in Australian Shepherds

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common endocrine disorder diagnosed in Australian Shepherds. With hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate levels of thyroid hormone. This leads to reduced metabolism and a wide range of clinical effects including lethargy, obesity, skin infections, hair loss, reproductive issues, and more. Australian Shepherds are inclined genetically to autoimmune thyroiditis resulting in destruction of thyroid tissue.

Annual blood tests help identify thyroid deficiencies early if symptomatic. Breeding dogs should also ideally have regular thyroid panels. Once diagnosed, daily supplementation with oral thyroid medication (levothyroxine) can resolve the effects of hypothyroidism very successfully in most cases. Hypothyroid patients require monitoring blood work twice yearly as well to assess adequacy of dosing. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can worsen over time and negatively impact quality of life. But the prognosis for managed hypothyroidism is excellent, allowing affected Aussies to live completely normal lives.

MDR1 Drug Sensitivity in Australian Shepherds

A genetically inherited mutation in the Multi-Drug Resistance gene (MDR1) prevents proper drug transport and leads to dangerous sensitivity reactions in Australian Shepherds. The mutation causes certain common drugs that are normally safely metabolized and eliminated from the body to build to toxic levels instead. All Aussies should be tested to identify if they carry this mutation.

Simply preventing any exposure to high-risk medications like ivermectin, certain acepromazine tranquilizers, and certain opioids eliminates the risk of extreme adverse reactions in sensitive Australian Shepherds. But testing allows veterinarians to prescribe alternate drugs proven safe in affected dogs. Reactions can include severe neurological impairment, respiratory depression, and even death in some cases with certain drugs.

Cancer in Australian Shepherds

As with all dog breeds, cancer poses an ever-present health threat to Australian Shepherds. Based on data available, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, osteosarcoma, and histiocytic sarcoma appear to be more prevalent in Aussies compared to some other breeds. Brain, bladder, nasal, and mammary cancers also occur regularly.

Routine wellness exams and owner vigilance for any unusual lumps, swellings, or changes allow for early cancer detection and intervention when possible. Catching cancer early on gives dogs the best prognosis. Pain relief, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and/or integrative therapies may be pursued depending on cancer type and extent.

Preventative Care Recommendations for Australian Shepherds

Aside from being aware of breed-specific health conditions, owners need to prioritize regular preventative veterinary care to optimize their Australian Shepherd’s lifespan and wellbeing. Recommendations include:

Annual wellness exams from puppyhood through senior years
Core vaccines – Rabies, distemper, parvo virus, adenovirus
Annual heartworm tests and monthly prevention
Broad spectrum parasite prevention and fecal tests
Dental cleaning under anesthesia needed in most Aussies by age 5 years old
Annual ophthalmologist eye exams by age 8-10 years old
Baseline bloodwork and urine testing by age 7-9 years old

With dedicated preventative care, ideally Aussies will require little urgent veterinary intervention. However, owners must monitor their dogs closely and never hesitate to seek veterinary attention if any concerning symptoms develop. As herding dogs, Australian Shepherds aim to please and rarely show weakness until ill. Catching any issues early maximizes successful treatment.

Grooming and Coat Care for Australian Shepherds

To maintain their lush double coats, Australian Shepherds require weekly brushing along with occasional bathing every 4-8 weeks. Frequent brushing keeps the undercoat from matting and allows removal of dead hair. Bathing and blow drying conditions the coat.

In addition to coat upkeep, other key grooming needs include regular nail trimming, dental care, cleaning ears, and proper hydration of the skin and fur. Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders that “blow” their undercoats seasonally. Their coats do require significant upkeep to look their best. Always use grooming products formulated specifically for dogs.

Nutrition Guidelines for Australian Shepherds

To support musculoskeletal development, immune health, disease prevention, energy levels, weight management, and longevity, Australian Shepherds need quality nutrition formulated specifically for active medium-large breed dogs. Look for these key traits in a diet:

Primarily derived from high-quality animal protein sources (meats, eggs, fish)
Contains vital fatty acids like omega-3s from fish oil
Fortified with minerals for joint health like glucosamine and chondroitin
Free of filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, by-products
Prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion
Enhanced levels of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables

Both commercial kibble/wet diets and balanced fresh/raw foods can meet these standards. Feeding trials confirm nutritional adequacy. Avoid fad diets. An Australian Shepherd’s diet should be 22-25% protein, 12-15% fat, and low in carbohydrate content. Consult your veterinarian about the ideal diet for your dog’s needs.

Exercising Recommendations for Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds were developed as active ranch herding dogs, and require significant daily physical and mental exercise to prevent restlessness or destructive behaviors. On average, a healthy adult Aussie needs:

60-90 minutes of activity like brisk walking, running, swimming, hiking, agility, fetching etc.
20-30 minutes of training, tricks or puzzles for mental exercise

Puppies and seniors need shorter or lower impact exercise adjusted for age and health status. Activities allowing free movement like fetching balls, chasing frisbees, or agility exercises best meet their needs for stamina. Ensure your Australian Shepherd’s needs for activity are fulfilled daily.

Enriching the Lives of Australian Shepherds

Beyond medical care, providing an enriching home life is crucial for your Australian Shepherd’s happiness. Ideas include:

Provide interactive puzzle toys and rotate frequently to prevent boredom
Teaching new commands, tricks, or behaviors each week to stimulate their minds
Using food-stuffed chew toys that make dogs “work” to access kibble
Establishing structured routines for feeding, playing, training, and bonding
Pursuing a dog sport like agility, obedience, rallying, or frisbee as a fun shared hobby
Offering new sights, sounds, and smells on walks to provide mental stimulation

The key is fulfilling their needs for physical activity, mental engagement, and quality time spent together. A bored, under-stimulated Australian Shepherd is prone to problem behaviors. An enriched Aussie excels as a companion.

Finding a Responsible Australian Shepherd Breeder

For those seeking a new Australian Shepherd puppy, finding an ethical, responsible breeder is paramount. Warning signs of poor breeding practices include:

No genetic or OFA health testing of parent dogs
Breeding dogs under one year old
Breeding female dogs in every heat cycle
Producing multiple litters simultaneously
Offering puppies for sale online or in pet stores
Unwillingness to show parents’ health documentation

Marks of quality in an Australian Shepherd breeder include:

Focusing on health, temperament and function over appearance
Provide OFA and genetic screening results for review
Asking interested buyers extensive questions to ensure suitability
Waiting list to purchase a puppy
Pups socialized in home until 8-10 weeks of age
Supporting new owners for their puppy’s lifetime

Doing research enables finding a stellar breeder committed to furthering the Australian Shepherd’s future. Be very selective when looking for a new pup.

In summary, all breeds have some inherited health vulnerabilities. For Australian Shepherds, issues like hip dysplasia, Collie Eye Anomaly, drug sensitivity, and deafness are relatively prevalent. However, maintaining higher genetic diversity through careful breeding selection, owner vigilance, routine veterinary care, and lifestyle adjustments allows most Aussies to enjoy an excellent quality of life despite their predispositions. An informed and responsible owner committed to their dog’s wellbeing remains a pet’s best health ally. With dedication from all involved, the future looks bright for this intelligent, lively breed.