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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.
Shetland Sheepdog - Specific Wellness Program
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 your doctor is 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; it should be performed at 6 years of age and every other year thereafter.
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 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:
| Age 6 |
40 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis |
| Age 8 |
48 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays of
chest, abdomen and hips if needed |
| Age 10 |
56 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
| Age 12 |
64 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
| Age 14 |
72 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
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