Shelties make loyal pets but can have unique health issues.
Shelties, or Shetland sheepdogs, are affectionate and loyal pets. They resemble collies but are smaller, usually growing to about 10 to 15 pounds. The My Dog Breed website advises that, "the Shetland sheepdog will generally remain a healthy dog with the proper diet and exercise." However, these dogs can also be susceptible to breed-specific health problems.
Eye Problems
Sheltie Eye Syndrome is an inherited condition that affects both eyes. In mild cases it can cause blind spots, and in severe cases the dog can experience total blindness. Veterinarians can perform a test in sheltie puppies to check for this syndrome.
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a condition that affects the connective tissues in the sheltie's body and manifests itself in thinning fur patches on the dog's head or other areas of his body. It is an inherited condition that skips a generation in its progression.
Von Willebrand's Disease
Von Willebrand's Disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder that affects the dog's ability to clot blood. It would manifest itself in an unusually long bleeding time for a minor cut or injury, and there is no cure for this disease.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the sheltie's femur does not set properly in the hip pocket. It can be avoided with proper breeding.
Epilepsy And Seizures
Epilepsy is an inherited seizure disorder, characterized by frequent seizing. Some shelties experience seizures as a result of taking certain heartworm medications.
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