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As your Partner in Pet Health, the team at Hillside Animal Hospital would like to provide you with as much information as possible regarding your role in keeping your dog happy and healthy. With this in mind, we have developed new Breed-Specific Wellness Programs. These programs are intended to increase your awareness on health conditions that have been found to be commonly associated with your dog's breed. While many dogs live a long, healthy life without facing major health issues, we feel that educating pet owners about possible health conditions is the best way to be proactive in detecting health issues before they become a problem. You'll find important recommendations for scheduling physical exams and diagnostic tests which we encourage you to discuss with the doctor throughout your pet's care. Please contact us at 480-391-7297 if you would like further information or to schedule an appointment.
Australian Shepherd - Specific Wellness Program
Dermatological Conditions
 Nasal Solar Dermatitis
About the condition:
- In nasal solar dermatitis, areas of the nose may become inflamed and sometimes ulcerated. The hairless portions of the nose are usually affected first occasionally followed by the bridge of the nose. As indicated by the name, exposure to the sun may make the problem worse.
How to detect this condition:
- To rule out other problems that may have similar symptoms, your doctor may recommend skin scrapings, bacterial and/or fungal cultures and possibly a biopsy.
Infectious Diseases
Coccidiomycosis (Valley Fever)
About the condition:
- Valley Fever is a non-contagious disease that originates from fungal spores found in the soil in the Southwest. Signs of Valley Fever may include, but not limited to, the following: coughing, lack of appetite or decreased appetite, lameness, diarrhea, enlarged joints and fever.
- Australian Shepherds may be more prone to infection than other breeds.
How to detect this condition:
- A Valley Fever blood test will most likely be recommended along with x-rays to check for signs of lesions caused by the Valley Fever spores.
Ocular Conditions
Cataract
About the condition:
- Inside the eye is a lens that focuses light on the back of the eye or the retina. Vision occurs at the retina. This is similar to a camera which has a lens to focus light on the film. If the lens becomes opaque this is called a cataract. The most common cause of cataracts is genetic inheritance.
How to detect this condition:
- An eye exam should be performed annually to check for signs
Renal and Urinary Conditions
Bladder Stones
About the condition:
- Bladder stones are fairly common, however the formation of stones can cause blockage of the urinary tract.
How to detect this condition:
- Urinalysis - a chemical and microscopic analysis of your pet's urine. All that is required is a urine sample. (This is recommended to be performed at age 6 and every 2 years thereafter.)
- Ultrasound - a type of non-invasive imaging that allows any stones to be detected in the bladder or kidney.
This list is not intended to cover all possible diseases and/or conditions found in Australian Shepherds, but instead lists those that we have found to be most common at Hillside Animal Hospital. Please let your doctor know if you have further questions regarding these or any other conditions.
Wellness Recommendations
An annual physical exam is recommended for the life of your pet so that any problems can be detected. In addition, we recommend the following diagnostic evaluations in order to provide more thorough veterinary prevention and care:
| Annually |
|
Full eye exam |
| Age 6 |
42 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis to check for
stones |
| Age 8 |
51 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays of chest, abdomen and hips if needed |
| Age 10 |
60 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
| Age 12 |
69 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
| Age 14 |
78 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
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