Sooshine Border Collies: Beautiful dogs that Work and Play

Health Screening

I firmly believe in health screening wherever possible to protect this beautiful breed. Any dogs I use for breeding will be screened for eyes and hips as appropriate under the BVA/KC health schemes., and DNA tested where applicable. As better tests become available, then I will use these as and when appropriate.

The Main health problems that currently affect Border Collies are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Hip Dysplasia (HD) and a small percentage of Border Collies are known to be carriers of certain lethal conditions. Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL) - (Storage Disease) which is an inherited lethal conditon for which there is now a genetic health screening test. Little is known about this condition in the UK, and many British vets will not be aware of CL. However, studies are being carried out in Australia where much more information can be obtained, check the hyper link to CL highlighted above.

FROM 2005 A BREAKTHROUGH IN DNA GENETIC TESTING HAS MEANT THAT BORDER COLLIES CAN NOW UNDERTAKE DNA TESTING FOR CL AND CEA. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE THE OPTIGEN WEB SITE : http://www.optigen.com/

Additionally, a condition now more widely recognised is Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS). This an hereditary disease where the bone marrow produces neutrophils (white cells) but is unable to effectively release them into the bloodstream. Affected puppies have an impaired immune system and will eventually die from infections they cannot fight. Alan Wilton, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Genetics and Head of Canine Research Lab at the University New South Wales Australia is intrumental in searching for the genetic defect. The linked chromosome has been found and tests for the inheritance of this defect can now be undertaken. Further information and an up to date report dated 21st May 2007 can now be found click here: http://bordercolliehealth.com/TNSresearchUpdateReport.html

FROM 2007 THE DNA TEST FOR TNS HAS BECOME AVAILABLE TO ALL BORDER COLLIES. For further details see here: http://bordercolliehealth.com/TNSdatabase.html

CHECK THE ONLINE DATABASE OF DNA TEST RESULTS AT BORDER COLLIE HEALTH : http://www.bordercolliehealth.com/

Another condition affecting some Border Collies is epilepsy (there is not enough known about epilepsy or its causes as yet and there is no health screening available to date).

In recent years some Border Collie lines have also been known to have hearing defects and breeders are now beginning to test their stock using the BAER test, although this is not, as yet, a recognised and registerable test by the BVA/KC.

From 1998 the BVA/KC Health Schemes have introduced a new test for OCD. This will be available to all breeds that are likely to suffer this condition. However, many vets, and in particular those who have studied bone growth disorders in young dogs, and promote natural rearing, believe that OCD can be largely prevented by good stock management and careful nutrition.

NB: Details on common eye problems in the Border Collie and Hip Dysplasia can be obtained by writing to The British Veterinary Assoc. (Canine Health Schemes), 7 Mansfield Street, London W1M 0AT.
or the following web site for RETINAL DISORDERS IN BORDER COLLIES by JAMES A. BAKER INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH

Natural Rearing

ALL dogs at "Sooshine" are now reared naturally on a "Species Specific" Diet. Since the beginning of 1996 all my dogs have benefitted from being fed a completely natural (unprocessed) diet of RAW food for "Optimum Health". This mainly consists of RAW MEATY BONES, plus raw, pulped vegetables and some additional vitamins and minerals. Since converting to this I have found my dogs to be happier and healthier, and preference will always be given to prospective new owners of any puppies I breed who are prepared to continue with this natural and healthier feeding regime.

The diets I follow are those primarily recommended by Tom Lonsdale, Australia, mixed in with Kymythy Schultz (USA) qualified in canine nutrition, and I Australian vet, Dr. Ian Billinghurst,

For more extensive information of a Natural Rearing regime whether you are a pet owner, breeder, or veterinarian, follow this link: RAW LEARNING

Vaccinations

Although some of our Border Collies have received their initial vaccinations, all dogs now receive homoeopathic nosodes and do not receive annual boosters, which many vets and even some vaccine manufacturers are starting to recognise may do more harm than good to a dog's health. Until ALL vets and vaccine makers can agree on the same protocol of vaccination regimes, I cannot sit comfortably with the possible ill effects of vaccination. When seeking a vet, if your vet is not prepared to be open minded and look into these issues, then it may be preferable to seek out a vet who will consider these matters and be prepared to help you in your quest to rear a healthier animal. Prospective new owners of "Sooshine" puppies will be asked to seriously consider NOT giving annual vaccination boosters, but to make a practice of annual health checks at their vet instead. For those owners still wishing to have their initial vaccines, like many other people, I ask them to wait until their puppies are 12 weeks and to request their vet NOT to use combination vaccines if at all possible.

A UK web site with information on all natural animal health has recently been formed, which has a growing list of UK vets who offer alternative therapy. See Natural Animal Health

Insurance Cover

Although I have no plans to breed any litters in the near future, any puppies sold at "Sooshine" will carry a preliminary insurance cover and their owners will be advised to continue with further cover throughout the dog's life. Veterinary fees can be very expensive and should your dog require specialist attention, hospitilisation or be involved in an accident, whether injuring itself or other people or livestock, the financial consequences can be horrendous without adequate insurance cover.

Sales Contracts

NOTE: I am not currently breeding any puppies or offering a stud service for my dogs. *Should* I consider a stud service for Sooshine Star Impact, he would be made up to date on all possible health testing beforehand and I would expect any bitch to have suitable health screening also. There can be no excuse for not making use of the excellent health screening facilities now available to help eliminate any possible chance of producing affected puppies. Byron and Roy are not avilable for stud, having both been castrated.

Owners "Sooshine" puppies, have been assured a lifetime "after care" and advice service for all dogs that I have bred. I undertake to take back or assist to rehome, where appropriate, any dogs that have been bred by me for the duration of their lifetime, for whatever reason.

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