What diseases are Lancashire Heelers prone to?
Lancashire Heelers are prone to some health issues, including:
- Primary lens luxation: Lancashire Heelers can experience this inherited dislocation of the eye that occurs when the support ligaments of the lens (a sphere-shaped area of the eye that focuses light on the retina) weaken or break. The weakening of the ligaments causes the lens to dislocate from its normal position. Depending on the direction the lens falls, it can prevent proper drainage of fluid from the eye and lead to glaucoma. The condition is also very painful and can cause blindness if the luxation is not surgically fixed.
- Collie eye anomaly: This congenital defect causes abnormalities or unusual changes in the eye and may lead to blindness.
- Persistent pupillary membranes: This involves remnant strands of fetal tissue crossing over the iris.
- Patellar luxation: Also known as “slipped kneecaps,” this is a common problem that occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, causing pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.
To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend eye and joint tests for your dog.