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Shetland Sheepdog - Specific Wellness Program |
Oral Health Problems
Periodontal Disease
About the condition:
- Inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone around the tooth.
- Bacteria accumulate in the mouth forming plaque and harden into tartar, which becomes a constant source for infection.
- Progressive stages can lead to tooth loss.
How to detect this condition:
- Halitosis or bad breath
- Yellowish/brown deposits on teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Discomfort when mouth or gums are touched
- Decreased appetite with difficulty chewing
Dermatological Conditions
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
About the condition:
- Early signs of this condition may include depigmentation and/or redness of the nose. The nose, which normally appears scaly, may appear very smooth.
- Later signs may include crusting and ulceration.
- Exposure to the sun may aggravate this condition.
How to detect this condition:
- Monitor your pet's nose for any of the above signs.
Superficial Bacterial Folliculitis
About the condition:
- Folliculitis is the infection and inflammation of the hair follicules, usually by bacteria.
How to detect this condition:
- Folliculitis is usually easiest to see on areas with less hair, such as the abdomen, however it can occur on any area of the skin. Signs include redness, swelling, scabbing, and/or hair loss.
Familial Canine Dermatomyositis
About the condition:
- This is an inflammatory disease of the skin and muscles usually found in young Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Signs of this condition include crusting and hair loss of the face, tips of the ears and tail, and front surfaces of the legs. These signs usually are aggravated by heat and sun exposure.
How to detect this condition:
- Evaluation of family history and littermates; in addition, a skin biopsy may be indicated.
Skin Tumors
About the condition:
- There are a variety of skin tumors and growths. Some are benign, or non-cancerous, while others may be malignant, or cancerous. Certain breeds are more predisposed to developing these tumors, while there are environmental factors that may contribute to their growth, such as ultraviolet light from the sun and pollutants.
How to detect this condition:
- Monitor your pet's skin for any changes in color, texture, and condition. If you notice any lumps, please schedule an appointment so we are able to examine them.
Endocrine Conditions
Hypothyroidism
About the condition:
- A deficiency in the secretion of thyroid hormone
How to detect this condition:
- A blood test can determine whether your pet is within the normal range of thyroid hormone.
This list is not intended to cover all possible diseases and/or conditions found in Shetland Sheepdogs, but instead lists those that we have found to be most common at Hillside Animal Hospital. Please let us know if you have further questions regarding these or any other conditions.
Wellness Recommendations
We recommend six month wellness exams for the life of your pet since they age so much faster than humans do. Frequent visits allow us to discuss recent changes, detect potential problems, tailor diagnostic recommendations, and initiate therapy that will benefit your pet long term.
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Your Pet’s Age in Years
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Shetland Sheepdog
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Numbers within the chart are your pet's age in human years
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Juvenile
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Adult
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Senior
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A series of wellness consultations and vaccines are required as a puppy develops. Problems can be addressed early based on a breed's disposition. Early findings may dictate the path of future wellness.
The primary wellness consultation is scheduled for routine vaccines, the first line of prevention. The second wellness consultation is meant for vaccine boosters and basic wellness blood work. Wellness blood work is essential in early detection and treatment of medical conditions. Each consultation allows us to spend time with you to discuss any changes that may have occurred as your pet ages and make recommendations accordingly. Factors such as size, sex, age, lifestyle, and breed will dictate a patient's recommendations. Radiographs may be recommended for some patients as baseline evaluations for future comparisons.
Adult wellness blood work includes a basic chemistry (8), a complete blood count, and a heartworm test. We recommend evaluating wellness blood work annually for the lifetime of the pet.
With senior patients, each wellness consultation is for routine vaccines and boosters, along with a physical examination. Changes for seniors can be subtle, so maintaining a healthy senior pet requires an owner's observations along with twice a year physical examinations to evaluate these changes. The doctors recommend annual comprehensive wellness blood work and urinalysis for all of our seniors. Doctors rely on blood and urine tests to provide important information about a pet's health to determine appropriate therapy. Radiographs may also be recommended as these changes occur to again ensure appropriate therapy.
Senior wellness blood work includes a comprehensive chemistry (25), a complete blood count, thyroid hormone level, urinalysis, and a heartworm test. Depending on medications, some prescriptions require frequent blood monitoring in addition to routine wellness.
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FAX: 480-551-1738
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