Collie Eye Problems

Know What To Watch For

By far the most common of the Collie eye problems is actually named for the breed. Collie Eye Anomaly or CEA was first medically studied and researched in 1953, however eye problems were known within the breed well before this time.

The Collie, like other breeds, can also have other genetic and non-genetic eye problems. Entropion or rolled in eyelashes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA and retinal detachment.

Each of the types of Collie eye problems have a slightly different symptom pattern, providing owners with clues as to what the issue may be.

Collie Eye Anomaly

The vast majority of all Collie eye problems fall under the category of CEA or Collie Eye Anomaly. This is a genetically inherited condition that is believed to affect 80 plus percent of all Collies.

Most dogs will be carriers for the gene but not have any vision impairment which makes breeding it out of the lines extremely challenging. CEA can be easily diagnosed by a qualified vet or veterinary ophthalmologist and all reputable breeders have their puppies tested before sale.

It appears as a lack of development or a bulging in the choroid or vascular layer at the back of the retina. Without this blood flow the dog has blind spots on the retina that can be of different severity, known as grades.

Grade 1 and 2 typically cause no issues for the dog but grades 4 or 5 can include significant levels of partial or full blindness.

CEA is not progressive which means it will not become more significant as the dog ages provided there are no other injuries or health conditions of the eye.

It can be diagnosed as early as five weeks. Sometimes very young puppies may actually “Go Normal” which means they were initially diagnosed with a low grade of CEA and on a further test after 6 to 8 weeks the condition has almost normalized.

This doesn’t, however, mean that the dog is cured or that he or she is no longer a carrier, they are a carrier for life and should not be used in kennel or private breeding programs.

Another interesting feature of these types of Collie eye problems is that they can be different in both eyes. One eye may be normal or have a very low grade of CEA while the other can have significant visual impairment.

The condition is not painful or irritating for the dog and dogs with CEA can live very happy, normal lives. They should not, however, be used in any breeding programs and must be spayed or neutered as soon as possible.

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Entropion

This condition can occur in any breed or dog and while it isn’t one of the serious Collie eye problems it does need immediate attention. This condition occurs when the eyelashes roll inward, typically on the lower lid, and scrape against the cornea of the eye.

Usually it is easily noted by tearing and pus along the eye, often with excessive redness within the eye itself. It is easily corrected by a simple surgical procedure that tightens up the lower lid and correctly repositions the lashes to the outside of the eye.

It is often found in particular lines of dogs but the Collie isn’t as prone as the Mastiffs and other breeds with the droopier eyes.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy or PRA is discussed at length in the article Managing Collie PRA. In summary Collie eye problems with PRA are the same as other breeds, a gradual loss of sight that eventually ends in complete blindness.

This can be a gradual or rather fast progression but it is not painful to the dog. There is no cure but managing the dog and providing a safe, familiar environment can allow him or her to continue to live a happy, satisfying life.