The UK Lancashire Heeler Club
Health of the Lancashire Heeler
Lancashire Heelers are a very healthy breed but there is a small incidence of hereditary eye diseases such as Collie Eye Anomaly and Primary Lens Luxation.
It is important that even if you are buying a pet dog that you buy from stock that have had their eyes tested.
As with other small breeds there may be an occasional case of Patella Luxation (slipping kneecap).
Why we test our dogs eyes...
The Lancashire Heeler
is susceptible to three main eye conditions:
Persistent Pupillary Membrane ( PPM). This manifests as a “cobweb” over the eyes, it is a remnant of the blood vessels that fed the pup's eyes in the womb.
This membrane has usually disappeared by the time the pup is 6 - 10 weeks of age, sometimes small pieces of membrane remain visible (not to the naked eye), these are sometimes called “tags”.
PPM's should cause no problem to a pup bought as a pet, but, if the remnants are there, advice should be sought before breeding from your dog.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA). This is a condition a pup is born with. It doesn't get any better, and it doesn't get any worse. The state of the eye is diagnosed between the ages of 6 – 10 weeks of age. Basically, CEA is a condition where the blood vessels do not connect at the back of the eye, leaving a “grey” area. Pups identified with CEA should not be bred from. DNA testing is now available for CEA to identify “Carriers” of this condition. The test is available from a firm called OPTIGEN in the USA.
Neither of the foregoing conditions is painful to the dog and they make perfectly good pets.
Primary Lens Luxation( PLL). A dog that has this condition will be in pain until treatment is instigated. Lens Luxation means that the lens has become detached within the eye, it can fall forwards or backwards, if it falls forwards you can see the change in your dog's eye. The colour will change to a bluish/grey. This needs treatment immediately, any delay will result in a blind eye. At worst Glaucoma will set in and the dog may lose the eye. Treatment entails removal of the lens, this is an expensive operation and success is not guaranteed. A lens that falls backwards in the eye cannot be seen by the naked eye. Any change in your dog's demeanour should be investigated, with eyes being most important. PLL does not usually manifest until your dog is about 2½ years of age or more. Some cases have occurred at 11 years of age. These are only guidelines.
Regular eye checks are necessary in Lancashire Heelers. An eye specialist, not your usual Vet, must do this. Your Vet will not have the equipment to carry out these check ups.
The Lancashire Heeler Club would appreciate all test results irrespective of whether they are clear or affected.
Blood samples for DNA testing would be appreciated by The Animal Health Trust for their research into PLL. The Secretary will be able to furnish you with details of how to send your samples.
The Club has many people who would be willing to help with advice and support should you find your dog affected with PLL.
