H Is For Health Conditions (Shetland Sheepdog) ~ A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020

As with all dog breeds, the Shetland Sheepdog (aka the Sheltie) may be at risk for a number of health conditions. Urinary issues, vomiting and or/diarrhea, skin problems and dental disease are some of the health issues frequently found in our pups. However, some health conditions are breed specific.

Some genetic Sheltie conditions are Dermatomyosis, or Sheltie skin disease. This autoimmune condition affects the skin and muscles. Von Willebrand’s is a blood clotting disorder. Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the tissue. The most commonly affected breed is the Shetland Sheepdog. There are many other hereditary conditions.

Message from a Sheltie mom – Never could get an answer as to why Misty Blue didn’t have pedigree purebred papers. Without these papers I wasn’t sure if Misty Blue was a purebred Shetland Sheepdog and had no medical history on her. I decided to have her DNA checked by Wisdom Panel. Misty Blue’s vet was nice enough to get the swab for me. The results showed that Misty Blue was indeed 100% Shetland Sheepdog. She was tested for 152 disease mutations, which included MDR1 and inherited zero. That was great news!

Misty Blue does suffer from allergies. She also deals with severe noise and separation anxiety.

What are some other hereditary health issues that a Shetland Sheepdog might deal with?

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