Collie Eye Anomaly in Dogs

Category: Eye
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 8
Published sources: 8

Overview

The developing eye can be affected in several ways by collie eye anomaly, an inherited disorder present from birth. The choroid, a layer that supplies blood to the back of the eye, may be underdeveloped. More severe cases can involve structural defects at the back of the eye, internal bleeding, or separation of the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back. Some affected dogs keep normal vision throughout life, while others have reduced sight or blindness.

Signs to watch for

No obvious vision problems in mild cases
Reduced vision or blindness
Unusually small eyes
Blood visible inside the eye
Unequal or persistently enlarged pupils if the retina detaches

The eye changes are present from birth, even when signs are not obvious.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog suddenly loses vision.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye examination checks the retina, the eye's light-sensitive lining, and nearby structures for developmental defects. A DNA test can identify the associated inherited variant and distinguish dogs carrying one copy from those with two copies. Test results help guide breeding decisions, while an eye examination shows which structures are affected.

Breeds with documented risk

8 breeds

By breed size

2 Small
6 Medium

Australian ShepherdMedium · Herding Group
Border CollieMedium · Herding Group
Miniature American ShepherdMedium · Herding Group
Shetland SheepdogSmall · Herding Group
CollieMedium · Herding Group
Lancashire HeelerSmall · Herding Group
Australian KelpieMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Hokkaido InuMedium · FCI Group 5 (Spitz and primitive type)

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by UC Davis VGL

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.