On the subject of Australian Cattle Dog health problems, several probable disorders could catch an individual and their ACD by surprise. The outcome could be costly as well as emotionally distressing if not addressed swiftly and effectively. Rather than responding to likely illnesses as they occur, discover what you can do to prevent them initially and keep your Blue Heeler healthy and content.
Overall, the Australian Cattle Dog is a very healthy animal, considering it was infused with various domestic breeds combined with the Australian wild Dingo at the inception of the breed. The originators used outcrossing in their breeding programs instead of extensive inbreeding or line breeding that other purebreds have used to develop specific traits and characteristics.
The occurrence of genetic issues is typically more common in purebreds and can be quite numerous. However, though not all conditions are absent with the ACD, they are minimal at best. Remarkably, a condition referred to as Collie Eye Anomaly is virtually nonexistent in this breed although various Collie breeds were part of its original development. Collie Eye Anomaly can affect the majority of all Collie breeds causing mild to complete blindness. It is interesting that very rarely a Blue Heeler will develop this infliction. Any affected dog should certainly be removed from the breeding program.
Generally, the Australian Cattle Dog is considered remarkably healthy unlike the majority of purebreds. But, similar to all breeds, they’re still subject to certain diseases and some health conditions genetically related to the breed. Three that are specific to the ACD are Deafness, Hip Dysplasia, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Of these 3 major conditions listed below that can eventually materialize, none are considered life-threatening if treated with proper care and attention.
Blindness:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that causes blindness in American Cattle dogs. Though immune from the popular Collie Eye Anomaly disease found in most Collie breeds, PRA involves the gradual deterioration and decreased function of the retina. Initially, affected dogs become night-blind slowly progressing to complete blindness. Slow to develop, the dog will naturally adjust its eyesight as the condition worsens. Blue Heelers with PRA can still lead a normal life and though it is painless, only some additional safety measures may need to be administered.
PRA is genetically inherited from the dog’s parents. Typically, it is difficult to detect especially if the parents are 5 years old or less. The late onset of this condition usually occurs in mature Australian Cattle Dogs between approximately 4 to 8 years old. Currently, no cure is available but treating the condition with a diet consisting of antioxidant supplements and raw foods can greatly decrease the advancement of complete blindness.
Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia:
Many Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be highly prone to joint complications primarily due to extreme and excessive physical activity. Purebred dogs in particular have a long background of arthritic health issues.
Hip Dysplasia is another common and major Australian Cattle Dog health problem that can affect a large number of maturing Blue Heelers. This condition is caused by a socket joint and hip ball malformation with the adjacent muscles and ligaments. As a result, the weak muscles and ligaments cannot securely hold the thigh bone and hip joint snugly together. Pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility are created by the worn and rough areas in the joint. Like PRA, it is also inherited and typically doesn’t surface in younger dogs. Symptoms will usually start to appear in more mature Blue Heelers during their prime years and when they are the most active. The signs will often include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the hindquarters. Occasionally both hind legs may be affected. The dog will often display a hopping-type movement with both hind legs held together. Arthritic symptoms will be certain to follow.
If diagnosed at an early stage, usually during prematurity, hip dysplasia can be corrected with surgery provided joint and bone damage has not occurred. By restructuring and tightening the muscles and ligaments around the affected joint, proper functioning can be restored. Another surgical procedure option is with a total hip joint removal and replacement. Added with the very high cost to perform this operation, an extensive recovery period is inevitable.
Ensure that your Australian Cattle Dog is provided with the required nutritional supplements it needs daily and that also your veterinarian examines the joint parts for degeneration and weakening at least one or more times per year. Proper food, lots of appropriate exercises, and the use of various types of supplements are also effective in some cases of arthritis treatments. It is always important to ask for both parent dogs to be hip-checked and certified before using them in breeding programs to help eliminate the further possibility of hip dysplasia in the breed.
Deafness:
Another genetic problem found in the Australian Cattle Dog is the possibility that some puppies could be born deaf. The infusion of the Dalmatian bloodlines with the ACD causes puppies to be born mostly white. Research indicates that breeds, where puppies are born with white coats, are genetically linked to deafness and have a higher degree of probability for hearing loss.
Although these cases are minimal, owners should still perform a hearing evaluation of their puppies. Jingling keys or making a sharp sudden noise around the puppy is a good preliminary test to check for hearing loss. Some hearing is present if the puppy reacts by turning towards you. However, a more sophisticated hearing analysis may need to be performed if the puppy shows no response. An advanced Brainstem Auditory Evoke Response (BAER) test can be conducted at most canine research facilities to determine the exact level of hearing loss.
It is always recommended to check for hearing loss before purchasing an Australian Cattle Dog puppy. Although there is no cure in the event a puppy is deaf, an opportunity to become an ideal companion pet is still realistic with understanding, patience, and some specific training.
Australian Cattle Dogs can easily experience a variety of health issues much like people. The main difference is that your Blue Heeler is unable to say “I’ve got a sore tummy”. Most often they will suffer in silence up to the point that there’s a very serious discomfort that needs to be cared for. Therefore, you must identify the signs and symptoms along with the measures to take in preventing a lot of these complications from the outset. Following are 5 of the most common and less concerning Australian Cattle Dog health problems.
Infections:
Australian Cattle Dogs can be inflicted with many different potential infections, on their body, in their eyes, inside their ears, and even on their teeth. The most common are ear infections, generally often caused by bacteria or a foreign body entering the ear canal. Ear mites are a very common and serious health issue. Examine your Blue Heeler’s ears regularly for red patches, excessive moisture, inflammation, and dirt. Of all the ACD health issues, infections are often the least difficult to prevent. Frequently brush his hair and teeth, wash any bedding and thoroughly clean his eyes and ears to avoid potential germ and bacteria accumulation.
Allergic Reactions:
Australian Cattle Dogs can possess numerous varieties of allergies. The most typical is usually Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) which can induce hot spots and even cause infections. Be certain to obtain some form of flea medication applied every month and also have a veterinarian look at them routinely to ensure that they’re healthy. Moreover, if their skin conditions trigger other hot spots or ear infections, it could be a food allergic reaction — an even more serious problem that needs to be treated by a veterinarian. Be sure not to ignore your Australian Cattle Dog scratching habit as it may be due to an underlying medical condition.
Overweight:
Being overweight is among one of the most common and fatal health issues. It is directly contributed to overeating and not physically exercising enough. This often occurs once the Australian Cattle Dog ages past its prime or maybe has an injury or disease that prevents it from regular exercise. Overweight on its own doesn’t directly result in death, however, the increased levels of heart failure, liver disorders, cancers, and skin conditions are especially quite harmful and damaging if not treated promptly. Overweight is usually treated with a healthy eating plan and increased physical activity.
Diabetes:
Some Australian Cattle Dog health issues tend to mirror a human’s in several ways. Diabetes is certainly one type of potential disease. Excessively rich, sugary, and fatty meals may cause certain pancreatic conditions that contribute to diabetes. To avoid diabetes, you will want to keep your Blue Heeler on a stringent and moderate eating plan of healthy dog food products. Also, limit feeding him table scraps and avoid giving excessive rations during and in between meals. Should he be identified as having diabetes, you’ll be required to visit a veterinarian routinely and might need to administer regular injections yourself.
Parasites:
All parasites can result in damage to your Australian Cattle Dog’s health if not treated properly. These organisms get their nourishment from feeding within or on an animal. Some not only can be transferred to another pet in the family but to you as well. Preventive maintenance can keep your Blue Heeler safe from the following parasites.
Heartworms:
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite worm that causes heartworm disease. Once bitten by an infected mosquito, the larva is transferred to the dog’s tissues where it begins to develop internally. It then migrates through the body where it eventually reaches the lungs and heart. A maturely developed heartworm can reach lengths over 10 inches causing significant damage and if left untreated death.
Breathing difficulty, sluggishness, coughing, and weight loss are probable signs that your Blue Heeler may be suffering from heartworm disease. An accurate diagnosis can be determined with a simple blood test.
Fleas & Ticks:
Not only considered irritating pests, but they also can transmit causing a variety of more serious ailments. Fleas are responsible for such health problems as Anemia, Septicemic, severe itching, Bubonic, Pneumonic Plaque, in addition to, tapeworms and Cat Scratch Disease that are also contagious to humans. Observing your Blue Heeler excessively scratching and the appearance of black specks in his bedding and coat are obvious warning signs he probably has fleas.
Ticks, on the other hand, can cause health problems like Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Cytauxzoonosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme Disease that may also spread to people. Appetite loss, coughing, lameness, depression, fever, joint swelling, lethargy, and body or leg pain are possible indications that a tick may have bitten your Blue Heeler.
Garlic and Brewer’s yeast combined with his normal diet is a proven home remedy known to deter fleas as well.
Roundworms:
A relatively common and popular worm that most all dogs will eventually get at least once during their lifetime, has a strange life cycle in which it migrates to the lungs from the intestines and then back to the intestines again. Pups can receive this worm while nursing and while still in the uterus. Passed eggs develop into larvae that can directly infect another dog or a different intermediate host like a mole, earthworm, or rat. Once the dog has eaten the infected host, the larvae then develop into adult roundworms that can produce millions of eggs. These eggs are passed into the feces and can survive in the environment for many months.
Hookworms:
These worms are not as common as roundworms, but can still be a major concern exhibiting many of the same characteristics. Like all worms, the infective larvae developed from the eggs can pass through your Blue Heeler’s skin causing internal infection. Oral ingestion is another method of travel these infected eggs find their way inside the animal. Keeping hookworms in control requires the daily cleaning up of stools and providing plenty of direct sunlight since they are susceptible to ultraviolet light.
Whipworms:
Whipworm eggs can survive up to a year or longer making them the most environmentally resistant of all worm eggs. Evidence of whipworms appearing in your Blue Heeler’s stool can typically take over 2 months from the time of infection delaying any knowledge of potential soil contamination he may be exposed to. Therefore, monitoring fecal samples for signs of whipworms is important because they are also much more difficult to eliminate than hookworms and roundworms.
Tapeworms:
Free-roaming and hunting dogs are more prone to tapeworms since they can be acquired by eating small rodents and infected fleas. Though a good flea control application can eliminate most tapeworm problems, a Blue Heeler that is allowed to run free and is exposed to the environment requires more advanced prevention. Consult your veterinarian for more detailed options.
Ear Mites:
Mites can cause severe damage to the eardrum and canal if left untreated resulting in permanent hearing loss for your Blue Heeler. They are very common and can evade the ear canals of various small animals such as hamsters, mice, cats, and rabbits. Also, mites not only live in the ears but can also survive anywhere on the animal’s body. Shaking of the head and scratching about the ears are usually signs of minor infestation, however, if the appearance of fresh or dried blood is recognized, a more serious and advanced case is evident. The buildup of material resembling coffee grounds in the ears is also a sign that your Blue Heeler may have ear mites.
Humans aren’t affected, but ear mites can easily spread to other animals and pets. Swabbing the ear canal with a soaked cotton ball in mineral oil can temporarily treat ear mites. A follow-up of Ivermectin by your veterinarian will then be required to effectively treat the infection.
As with any breed, Australian Cattle Dogs require routine flea and tick treatments as well as regular de-worming. Should heartworms be present in your location or your pet is competing or showing publicly, he should be on heartworm medication. Direct contact with other dogs is the most common way to transmit health diseases among dogs. Following a veterinarian recommended vaccination schedule is the most important measure you can take to ensure the health of your Blue Heeler.
Conclusion:
If your Australian Cattle Dog eats healthy every day, is well-groomed, properly cleaned, and gets plenty of exercise, a number of these health issues will never become a concern. Still, you should always pay a visit to your veterinarian every year to examine him for any potential problems that may arise. The sooner you find a condition, the better and faster it can be cared for.
