How to check dogs eye sight

[Chasingmytail]

I have the option to buy a welsh collie. She is 15 months old but needs training she is keen and has a lovely temperament. But not convinced by her eyesight. She looks around when we are walking and talking which worries me a lot. I havent paid for her yet.

My concern stems from prev two huntaway/collie dogs my husband bought a few years ago. They both went mad and blind around 14 months old even though the useless domestic vet had no ideas. I did my own research and if was def CL - http://www.optigen.com/opt9_cltest4collies.html

My question is do Welsh collies carry this problem. How can I confirm the dog has good eyes?

Anyone come across problems with blindness in Welsh Collies?

 

[llamedos]

Ask you vet to send a sample off for a CEA test or ask the breeder if the parents have been tested, should have the DNA results if so.

 

[GTB]

Anyone come across problems with blindness in Welsh Collies?

No not heard of problems with Welsh Sheepdogs but Border Collies do have issues and I think a lot of pups / young dogs come with certificates to show their eyesight is ok.

 

[Campbell]

There is a very good animal eye clinic up this way. www.eyevetclinic.com they do all our dogs.

 

[Old Boar]

One quick way to partially test is to take a photo with a flash when it is dusk. Be a fair few feet away and look to see if you have a white flash eye. The stuff in the back of the eye (scientific me!) should reflect light which is why you get pics of animals that look like the devil has visited!

 

[Sheep135]

I have the option to buy a welsh collie. She is 15 months old but needs training she is keen and has a lovely temperament. But not convinced by her eyesight. She looks around when we are walking and talking which worries me a lot. I havent paid for her yet.

My concern stems from prev two huntaway/collie dogs my husband bought a few years ago. They both went mad and blind around 14 months old even though the useless domestic vet had no ideas. I did my own research and if was def CL - http://www.optigen.com/opt9_cltest4collies.html

My question is do Welsh collies carry this problem. How can I confirm the dog has good eyes?

Anyone come across problems with blindness in Welsh Collies?

From what I've been told by the Secretary who records every registered pup bred, there are no known genetic eye or physical problems in any of the recorded dogs. Only heard the odd merle pup can be blind or death when born.
DNA or eye testing is not done within the Welsh sheepdog society.

 

[Chasingmytail]

I am just concerned about taking on any issue even if its not a inherited issue suppose the dog could still have some blindness or perhaps I am being over anxious. I walked past last night without speaking and the dog could here me but was looking around????? I havent paid for the dog yet so dont want to be ploughing money into it. I will speak to the vets that Campbell as recommended as they say they do clinics around here. I also have a customer who works for the Bristol vet eye hospital. My husband goes out and does these things when after the last disaster I did say I wanted a registered dog with papers. I should ask the owner for the breeding into.

 

[crosshair]

I have had three Welsh Collies over the years, all from different places, and the three had Distemper as young dogs.

 

[RedMerle]

Think if it's something hereditary in the brain a CEA eye exam won't pick that up anyway will it?

Suppose you could say you'll buy the dog on the basis of successful DNA/eye tests.

Have you had it round sheep yet, is it good enough you want to plough potential expense into it if your gut is telling you no?