Health

Bearded Collie Health Survey Summary

BCC_Health_Survey_summary_Final_Mk2.docx

23 May 2015

Report of the UK Bearded Collie JBLC Health Survey 2007-2011

Report_of_the_UK_Bearded_Collie_JBLC_Health_Survey_2007-2011.pdf

23 May 2015

The role of Breed Clubs in the health of dogs - Article in the Veterinary Record

role_of_breed_clubs_in_health.pdf

14 May 2015

Professor Peter Bedford FRCVS on eye testing

Subject: Eye Testing

Thanks for your hospitality on Sunday and managing to get so many dogs together for the testing. One thing is certain—you have a very healthy breed eye-wise and dogs with such good temperaments. My report follows:

At the Club show on the 4th. December I examined 76 Bearded Collies of all ages and both sexes and found no ocular disease of known or suspected hereditary origin. Hopefully this sample is representative of the breed per se and future similar sample testing should be helpful in maintaining a disease free status. There was the odd instance of remnant pupillary membrane of no clinical significance and an age- related nuclear cataract. Both findings are to be expected in such a sample and do not give rise for concern. All the dogs aged 7 years and above showed signs of age-related nuclear sclerosis, a hardening of the lens which occurs in all dogs in all breeds as part of the normal aging process. When marked it gives the eye a glazed appearance but it has no effect upon sight and should not be confused with cataract. Specifically I found no evidence of Entropion,Hereditary Cataract(HC), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or Retinal Dysplasia (RD).

In summary I can only conclude that given this particular sample, your breed would appear to be clear from the known inherited ocular disease problems which affect so many other breeds. Obviously this is an excellent situation and one to be pleased with —future vigilance will help ensure that nothing manages to surface from the DNA stew that is today`s Bearded Collie. In passing I would compliment you for producing a breed with one of the nicest temperaments I have ever experienced.
I thank Christine Perry and her group of volunteers who worked so hard in getting so many dogs examined so efficiently in such a short space of time. Whilst being so worthwhile, it was for me a most enjoyable day.

Professor Peter Bedford FRCVS.

05 April 2015