What to Know About Shetland Sheepdogs

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Shetland Sheepdogs are a beloved breed with a range of health and genetic predispositions. Understanding these conditions can help owners and veterinarians manage and mitigate potential health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can be beneficial in maintaining the health and well-being of Shetland Sheepdogs.

Shetland Sheepdogs, often referred to as “Shelties,” are a popular breed known for their intelligence, agility, and friendly nature. However, like many purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain health conditions. This article explores some of the common health issues and genetic predispositions found in Shetland Sheepdogs.

Common Health Issues

Gallbladder Disease

Shetland Sheepdogs are notably predisposed to gallbladder disorders, particularly gallbladder mucocele. A study involving 38 Shetland Sheepdogs found that mature dogs with gastrointestinal signs had a higher risk of developing gallbladder issues. The study also noted that concurrent health problems such as pancreatitis, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism were common in affected dogs. The survival rate was significantly lower in dogs with bile peritonitis, highlighting the severity of this condition1.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a hereditary condition affecting the eyes of Shetland Sheepdogs. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that over 48% of Shetland Sheepdogs were affected by CEA. While no cases of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) were observed, other eye abnormalities such as distichiasis and cataracts were noted2.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder that affects Shetland Sheepdogs. Research has shown that a significant percentage of Shetland Sheepdogs are carriers of the type-I form of this disease. Dogs with severe type-III vWD exhibit a severe bleeding diathesis, which poses risks during medical procedures3.

Leukodystrophy

Leukodystrophy, a neurological disorder, has been observed in Shetland Sheepdogs. This condition is characterized by seizures and progressive neurological dysfunction due to spongy degeneration of the white matter in the brain and spinal cord. The exact cause remains unknown, but it is suspected to have a genetic basis4.

Genetic and Developmental Concerns

Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations affecting the spine and skull. A study reported cases of NTDs in Shetland Sheepdog puppies, highlighting the potential for advanced imaging techniques to identify such anomalies. The etiology of NTDs in Shetland Sheepdogs is not well understood, necessitating further research5.

Body Size and Dental Anomalies

Research has identified genetic variants associated with small body size and dental anomalies in Shetland Sheepdogs. Variants in the FtsJ RNA 2′-O-Methyltransferase 3 and Growth Hormone 1 genes have been linked to reduced body size and a dental condition known as maxillary canine-tooth mesioversion. These genetic factors are also found in other small dog breeds8.

Metabolic Disorders

Hypercholesterolemia and Hyperlipidemia

Shetland Sheepdogs are prone to hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that Shetland Sheepdogs have higher plasma cholesterol levels compared to other breeds, suggesting a primary disorder in lipoprotein metabolism. This condition can evolve into hyperlipidemia with age, affecting both cholesterol and triglyceride levels9 10.