The Australian Shepherd is one of the French people’s favorite dogs.

However, although it is particularly appreciated for its intelligence, gentleness, liveliness and loyalty, the Australian Shepherd is nonetheless a dog with fragile health.

All dog breeds are, in fact, predisposed to certain diseases more than others. And the Australian Shepherd is unfortunately no exception!

Flat-headed breeds, known as brachycephalic, are, for example, particularly prone to respiratory problems, while Dalmatians are more likely to be affected by sensorineural deafness.

But what about Australian Shepherds? Here are the common health problems of the French favorite dog.

 

Australian Shepherd: General Presentation

Character

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd or Aussie is not native to Australia, but to the western United States. Originally bred as a herding dog , it is undoubtedly a working dog, with a character trained in effort and endurance.

It is a cheerful, playful, loyal and affectionate companion for families if its owners provide it with sufficient activity and stimulation.

Indeed, an Australian Shepherd without sufficient exercise, or with a family that is not very present, is at high risk of developing behavioral problems .

Likewise, positive reinforcement type education and early socialization are necessary for a balanced and fulfilled dog.

Physical

Full of energy , the Australian Shepherd is an athletic dog of medium size (between 51 and 58cm).

The colors of its hair can vary in different shades of coat : merle, red merle, red, black, blue merle, single-colored, two-colored, or even tricolored.

Its almond-shaped eyes are usually blue or brown, and its ears are triangular and drooping.

Price

An Australian Shepherd from a quality and conscientious breeder generally costs between 900 and 1500 euros , depending on the sex of the dog but also its lineage.

 

Video: The Australian Shepherd as seen by a veterinarian

Before discovering the 11 most common diseases in Australian Shepherds, watch this short video of Dr. Rodrique*, a veterinarian who introduces us to the Australian Shepherd during the visit of Joy, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd assistance dog.

 

Australian Shepherd: 11 Common Diseases & Health Problems

Australian Shepherds have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and generally experience few serious health problems.

However, their genetics predispose the breed to specific diseases that, of course, not all of them will develop.

Knowing these diseases can help you be vigilant about the fragilities of these animals and offer them a healthy lifestyle.

1. Hip dysplasia

Jack Russell Terrier , Labrador Retriever, Basset Hound, Great Dane… Many dog ​​breeds are prone to this health problem.

A genetic condition, hip dysplasia is a common hip deformity in dogs. Hip dysplasia means that the dog’s thigh bone does not fit properly into the hip socket, causing damage to the cartilage and premature wear of the bone.

This health problem can be difficult to diagnose, as some dogs with hip dysplasia will appear perfectly normal.

However, over time, the symptoms will become more severe in the dog.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the stage of the disease. They typically include stiffness and difficulty moving, getting up or lying down, and a reluctance to play, jump, or run.

Severe cases usually require complete surgical hip replacement with a prosthesis.

If hip dysplasia is left untreated, the dog will begin to limp and the pain will become increasingly severe.

It is impossible to tell if a dog has hip dysplasia by simple observation. The veterinarian must perform X- rays to make a diagnosis, as soon as the dog reaches two years of age.

In puppies, the disease cannot yet be detected.

2. Elbow dysplasia

The Australian Shepherd breed is also predisposed to elbow dysplasia .

The symptoms of elbow dysplasia are very similar to hip dysplasia.

The nuance is that this form of dysplasia affects the front legs rather than the back legs.

3. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

The Australian Shepherd is known for its frequent eye problems also called MOHC ( Canine Hereditary Eye Disease ).

Collie eye anomaly is one of those eye diseases that is commonly found in Australian Shepherds.

This eye condition is caused by a genetic abnormality that attacks the retina and sclera (white of the eye).

This disease can affect one or both eyes and causes a decrease in visual acuity . To detect it, it is necessary to carry out a test at the veterinarian every year.

There is no cure. This is why breeders test their breeding Australian Shepherds to avoid hereditary transmission of the disease.

4. Hereditary cataracts

Cataracts are cloudings of the lens that prevent light from reaching the retina. They occur in dogs over 7 years old and affect both eyes.

The more the lens is affected, the more vision problems the dog has. At a very advanced stage, the dog becomes blind.

Cataracts can only be cured if detected early.

The treatment consists of a surgical procedure performed by a veterinary ophthalmic microsurgeon. Given his expertise and the specific equipment used, it is a fairly expensive operation.

5. Iris coloboma (IC)

Iris coloboma is a congenital malformation that affects the iris of dogs and is particularly seen in merle Australian Shepherds. A merle coat describes a particular distribution of pigmentation on the dog’s coat.

The coat can be blue merle (predominantly black background color) or red merle (predominantly red background color).

Coloboma occurs when the iris develops abnormally in a fetus and can affect one or both eyes.

Some holes or notches appear on the iris membrane, which may be visible to the naked eye and therefore detected by the owner.

The veterinarian’s diagnosis can be made after dilation of the pupil.

This disease usually has little effect on the dog’s vision unless the holes are very numerous. The dog is mainly bothered by bright light, which forces him to squint. He may also experience a temporary reduction in his field of vision.

Dogs with iris coloboma are removed from breeding to avoid genetic transmission.

Another condition affecting the iris in this breed of dog is iris hypoplasia .

6. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is defined as a degeneration of the retina leading progressively to blindness.

This incurable disease appears in older dogs. There are different forms of progressive retinal atrophy but all are hereditary.

The PRA present in Australian Shepherds is PRA-PRCD . It affects the cones and rods of the eye and its appearance is linked to the mutation of a recessive gene.

7. Genetic drug sensitivity MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1)

Australian Shepherds can suffer from a genetic drug sensitivity , caused by a mutation in the MDR1 gene . It affects one in two Aussies. The result is hypersensitivity to medications commonly used by veterinarians.

This concerns anti-parasitics, Ivermectin (present in some dewormers) and anti-diarrheals. Imodium AD, Flagyl and some anesthetics are also dangerous for the animal.

When an Australian Shepherd suffers from MDR1 genetic drug sensitivity, the molecules of these drugs stagnate in the brain creating toxicity which can lead to coma and death (+ convulsions, hypersalivation & tremors ).

The Australian Shepherd can be tested for this hypersensitivity. However, as a precaution, it is advisable to avoid administering these treatments to your pet.

Dr. Nicolas Martinez**, veterinarian, encourages MDR1 screening which consists of “a simple buccal swab or blood test.”

8. Epilepsy

Although not very common, canine epilepsy can also occur in Australian Shepherds. Genetic or secondary to an infection, exposure to a toxic product or an injury, it cannot be detected before the first seizure.

Also read: Can CBD help an epileptic dog?

9. Cancers

The most common types of canine cancers seen in Australian Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma . Hemangiosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer that unfortunately offers little chance of survival for the animal.

Lymphoma can be treated with chemotherapy if it is detected early enough .

Also read: Cancer in Dogs: Warning Signs

10. Autoimmune diseases

An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the dog’s immune system attacks its own body.

Australian Shepherds are susceptible to some canine autoimmune diseases, such as hypothyroidism and demodectic mange .

Hypothyroidism is related to the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough hormones. This disorder requires lifelong treatment.

As for demodectic mange , its treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics and the implementation of an acaricide treatment.

11. Patent ductus arteriosus

It is a cardiovascular disease that particularly affects females.

It is linked to a congenital malformation of a blood vessel in the fetus that hinders the diffusion of blood to the lungs. The puppy is then at risk of developing heart failure and having convulsive seizures resembling epileptic seizures. Early surgery (before the onset of disorders) can treat the dog.

In the absence of surgery, animals affected by this disease do not survive beyond 6 years.

 

Australian Shepherd: How to protect him from these diseases?

Choosing a good breeder

To avoid the appearance of genetic diseases, it is strongly recommended to buy your Australian Shepherd from a breeder recognized by the SCC .

Professional breeders are, in fact, able to guarantee the genetics of the ancestors, which can avoid many disappointments!

Lifestyle

While the breeder’s guarantees reduce the risk of disease occurrence, they cannot prevent the occurrence of all breed-related diseases in the Australian Shepherd.

It is therefore necessary to offer your animal an impeccable lifestyle based on a healthy diet and regular exercise to avoid behavioral problems, but also physical problems ( obesity , arthritis , etc.)

Drug vigilance

As a precaution and when in doubt, avoid drugs that cause drug hypersensitivity in the MDR1 carrier and scrupulously respect the annual frequency of visits to the veterinarian.

From a young age, your veterinarian may also suggest that your dog’s eyes, hips and thyroid be examined as a preventative measure.

Natural remedies

Along with the drug treatments put in place by the veterinarian to treat disorders and diseases, using a natural remedy like CBD for dogs can help relieve your dog.

CBD or cannabidiol is derived from hemp and does not cause addiction or side effects .

It is available without a prescription in pet stores, at the veterinarian or online, and is particularly indicated for reducing chronic stress or anxiety in animals , including dogs and cats.

It thus helps to find peace in everyday life.

It is also recognized for its role in strengthening immune defenses . CBD can therefore be used as a treatment to help your Australian Shepherd fight external aggressions.

Also possessing anti-inflammatory properties , CBD is a true natural ally for your animal.