The Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy breed. However, much like all breeds, there are medical issues that occur more frequently among these gentle giants.
The Australian Shepherd Club has conducted a health survey to pinpoint the most common health issues and problems encountered by the breed. Here are facts that you should be aware of when you’re raising an Australian Shepherd:
- 28% of the breed is reported to have allergies, which cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma).
- 19% were reported with tumors and cancers.
- Eye diseases are very commong among Australian Shepherds and the most common of which are cataracts and coloboma of the iris. Cataracts usually appear when a dog is between the ages of 1 and 3, but it can also appear as late as 7 years old. When left untreated, it can often progress to full blindness.
- Autoimmune diseases are particularly common among Australian Shepherds and the most common of which are hypothyroidism, demodectic mange and lupus.
- Seizures are also a serious health problem found in Australian Shepherds, with 12% affected, according to the health survey.
- Heart disease is also increasing in the breed.
- Inherited deafness is also very common among Aussie puppies.
- Australian Shepherds are also prone to losing pigment on their nose and muzzle. This can be caused by nasal solar dermatitis, vitiligo, or lupus. Sometimes, however, it is merely just due to “snow nose”, a harmless condition where the nose loses pigment in the winter.
Despite the predominance of these health issues, it doesn’t mean that your Australian Shepherd is bound to have one or all of these problems. With proper diet and exercise, some of these can be avoided or mitigated.
Just take note that when your dog is behaving differently – say, it doesn’t want to play or move as much – it is usually is an indication of a health issue or a problem. When this persists for days, see a vet immediately.
By: Kevin Wood