Blue Valley Ranch

Health Tests

Core Tests(2/3)

View breed core tests

Blue Valley Ranch conducts 2 out of 3 core health tests which RightPaw believe are most important to conduct for the Border Collie.

CEA

Genetic Test

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), also known as ‘Choroidal Hypoplasia’ (CH), is a genetic disease… Read more

PLL

Genetic Test

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is a genetic cause of blindness found in dogs, particularly affecting… Read more

Blue Valley Ranch conducts 14 additional tests available for the Border Collie.

Congenital Deafness (BAER)

Physical Test

Inherited deafness is common in specific breeds such as Dalmatians and Bull Terriers. Merle coat patterns and white coat colour can also be linked to deafness. It is recommended breeders of at-risk breeds or coat colours have the puppies checked with a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test at around 6 weeks old, before they go to new homes.

Cubilin Deficiency

Genetic Test

This a genetic cause of cobalamin malabsorption found in Border Collies. Affected dogs cannot absorb Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) from the gut and therefore experience a range of gastrointestinal disease. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Cystinuria

Genetic Test

This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Genetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Elbow Dysplasia

Physical Test

These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. Dogs with very low ‘elbow scores’ are less likely to develop elbow problems in the future and less likely to pass hereditary elbow problems on to their puppies.

Eye Certificate

Physical Test

An eye certificate means the breeder has had their breeding dogs examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist, to confirm they are not affected by any eye conditions which may be passed down genetically to their puppies. If relevant for the breed, it also includes running DNA tests to confirm the dog is not a genetic carrier of hereditary eye diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It includes breeders who have participated in the Australian Canine Eye Scheme (ACES).

Goniodysgenesis

Genetic Test

Goniodysgenesis is a genetic cause of ‘glaucoma’, or increased pressure in the eye. Untreated glaucoma can result in eye pain and blindness. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this genetic cause of glaucoma.

MDR1

Genetic Test

The MDR-1 gene (Multi-drug Resistance Gene 1) is responsible for producing proteins that protect the brain from harmful chemicals. Some breeds have a mutation in this gene resulting in them being dangerously sensitive to certain chemicals and drugs. It is recommended to test these breeding dogs for the MDR-1 mutation, so they do not pass on the sensitivity to their puppies.

Myotonia Hereditaria

Genetic Test

Myotonia Hereditaria/Congenita is a genetic disease that causes muscle problems resulting in a stiff gait and difficulty swallowing. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition.

NCL

Genetic Test

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a neurodegenerative disorder found in many breeds of dog. 7 varieties have been identified so far, affecting different breeds. There are DNA tests for each type, to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition.

Raine Syndrome

Genetic Test

Raine Syndrome, or Canine Dental Hypomineralisation, is a genetic disorder found in Border Collies, that causes their teeth to wear down abnormally fast. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Sensory Neuropathy

Genetic Test

Sensory Neuropathy is a serious genetic disease causing progressive neurological degeneration. Affected dogs develop difficulty with basic activities such as walking and swallowing and will eventually require euthanasia. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

TNS

Genetic Test

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is a genetic disease affecting Border Collies. It results in the dog’s white blood cells not being released from the bone marrow properly, meaning they cannot fight off infections. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

VWD-2

Genetic Test

Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD/vWD) is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a lack of a specific clotting factor. There are three forms of the disease, types 1, 2 & 3. A DNA test is available for each type of VWD to identify whether a breeding dog is a carrier or might be affected. The severity of VWD varies widely between breeds and individuals, ranging from life threatening, through to having no impact on clotting ability.