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Bearded Collie - Health Characteristics

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Recent surveys indicate the median longevity of Bearded Collies is approximately 13 years. This is inline with the median longevity of most purebred dog, and most breeds similar in size. The most common disorders reported by Bearded Collie owners are arthritis, colitis, and urological. Other commonly reported disorders include hypothyroidism, cancer, Addison's disease, arthritis and skin problems.

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Lifespan

Recent surveys indicate the median longevity of Bearded Collies is approximately 13 years. This is inline with the median longevity of most purebred dog (10 to 13 years), and most breeds similar in size

Common Disorders

The most common disorders reported by Bearded Collie owners are musculoskeletal (mostly arthritis and CLR), gastrointestinal (mostly colitis and diarrhea), and urological. Other commonly reported disorders include hypothyroidism, cancer, Addison's disease, arthritis and skin problems.

Addison's Disease and the Bearded Collie

Beardie owners should take special note of the frequency of Addison's disease in this breed. It occurs in at least 2-4% of Beardies, and while this number is fairly low, the percentage is much higher than for the general dog population (0.1%).

Potential Hereditary Defects and Disorders

• Collie Eye Anomaly: Multiple eye defects including coloboma of the optic disc
• Deafness: in one or both ears
• Dermatomyositis: Inflammation of the of the skin and muscles, probably caused by an abnormal immune system.
• Epilepsy: Seizures; convulsions
• Hypersensitivity to Ivermectin: a drug commonly used in prevention and treatment of heartworms
• Microphthalmos: Failure of the eye globe to grow to normal size. May lead to blindness.
• Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: Underdevelopment of the optic nerve in one or both eyes.
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A condition in which a fetal blood vessel does not close at birth, causing a heart murmur and leading to heart failure.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: producing progressive vision loss, ending in blindness.