DEVELOPMENTAL JOINT DISEASES
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) publishes inherited condition statistics. Border collies have a moderate risk of hip dysplasia. Note: Data from breeding stock underestimates true incidence in the general population.
NEUTERING AND JOINT DISEASE
A 2020 study proposed a link between neutering and joint disease in some breeds. Neutering was not associated with increased risk in border collies. To date, no studies have shown a causal relationship between neutering and joint disease.
Data sourced from Hart and others (2020) Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for 35 breeds of dogs: Associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary Incontinence. Frontiers in Veterinary Science Vol 7. Tap here to learn more about neutering risk.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
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The risk of a Border Collie suffering from shoulder OCD is 15x higher than average.
The risk of a Border Collie suffering from elbow dysplasia is 1.2x higher than average.
Panosteitis causes cycles of short-term lameness, which can switch between limbs. It has several possible causes including consumption of protein-rich, high-calorie commercial puppy food. Border collie puppies are not classified as high-risk for panosteitis.
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Border Collies are ranked #8 in a British elbow arthritis database. Elbow arthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia gradually worsens with age. The best treatment depends on age and arthritis severity.
Sporting dogs have a higher risk of muscle and ligament injuries. Diagnosis can be challenging.
Treatment of carpal collapse depends on severity. Options include external supports and carpal arthrodesis.
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Panosteitis causes cycles of short-term lameness which can switch between limbs. It has several possible causes including consumption of protein-rich, high-calorie commercial puppy food. Border collie puppies are not classified as high-risk for panosteitis.
A 10.3% incidence of hip dysplasia ranked border collies #116 in 2020. They are ranked #3 for hip replacement in a UK database.
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Cruciate ligament injuries are a likely cause of chronic hindlimb lameness. Border collies are ranked #15 for cruciate ligament injuries and #11 for cruciate ligament surgery. Tap here to learn more about how to diagnose and treat ACL injuries.
Severe pain in adults could be caused by Achilles injury, lower back problems or bone cancer. Border collies are ranked outside the top 15 breeds affected by malignant bone cancer.
