Do Shelties have health problems?

• Von Willebrand’s disease: Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs that are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis.

• Dermatomyositis: Dermatomyositis is an inherited inflammatory disorder that affects the skin, muscles, and blood vessels. It causes skin lesions that usually appear on the head, ears, and front legs and may also cause muscle inflammation. Onset is usually before six months of age, and the severity of symptoms varies from dog to dog. There may be extensive hair loss and scarring on the afflicted areas. The only way to diagnose dermatomyositis is through a skin biopsy.

• Eye problems: Shelties may develop “Collie eye anomaly,” a congenital defect that causes abnormalities or unusual changes in the eye and may lead to blindness; and progressive retinal atrophy, a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness, are the main concerns for shelties.

• Others: Shetland Sheepdogs are four times more likely than other breeds to suffer from bladder cancer. Other concerns are deafness, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and skin allergies.