11 Common Health Problems Seen in Australian Cattle Dogs

The Australian cattle dog is a hardy and robust breed. It was bred for hard work in demanding conditions. For a long time, an Australian cattle dog held the record as the longest-living dog in the world, and the breed, on average, lives longer than many others. But Australian cattle dogs do have tendencies toward a number of health issues that owners should note. Here are some of the most common, and some less common health problems to look for in your Australian cattle dog.  

Deafness

Australian cattle dogs are one of the dog breeds most likely to suffer from hereditary deafness. Roughly 20 percent of this breed experiences deafness in one or both ears. The rate of unilateral deafness, meaning deafness in just one ear, exceeds 11 percent in Australian cattle dogs. Approximately 8 percent of the breed exhibits bilateral deafness or deafness in both ears. Dogs with only partial masks and without large spots have a higher likelihood of genetic hearing loss than those with full masks and large spots. Because deafness is also one of the most common health problems affecting Australian cattle dogs, owners may want to have their dogs checked. Specialists can test dogs for deafness using a BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test.

Eye Diseases

Dogs of this breed sometimes develop common canine eye diseases as they age, such as cataracts or glaucoma. These diseases, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Australian cattle dogs also have a greater tendency toward a few less common types of eye diseases than many other breeds.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

This eye disease, more common in Australian cattle dogs than other breeds, can cause the tissue that holds the dog’s lens in place to fail. The lens can then fall out of place and may require surgical removal.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

This progressive genetic disorder causes Australian cattle dogs to gradually go blind. Symptoms usually begin around the age of five. No cure or treatment exists for this condition, but affected dogs can still live relatively full and happy lives.

Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Dogs with this condition may have some vision impairment or none at all. Persistent pupillary membrane involves remnants of connective tissue in the eye that failed to dissolve by the time the pup was born. These bits of tissue can sometimes impede the pupil and partially block the dog’s vision.

Joint Issues

Australian cattle dogs can have multiple joint issues, including problems with their hips, elbows, and knees. The following joint issues are among the most common health problems reported with Australian cattle dogs.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, an inherited disorder that causes poor development of the hip joint, plagues large and giant dog breeds. It also commonly affects Australian cattle dogs. This disorder can lead to arthritis. It causes pain and can lead to complete deterioration of the joint as the dog gets older. Careful weight management can help prevent hip dysplasia in dogs. The condition can also be treated, to a degree, with dietary supplements, medication, or surgery.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia has similarities to hip dysplasia, but it affects the elbow. A dog’s elbow is the middle joint on the front leg, between the shoulder and wrist. This progressive disease leads to debilitating arthritis if untreated. Surgery is the most common treatment.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition in which a dog’s kneecap, or patella, slips out of place. The dog may suffer great pain and be unable to place weight on the affected leg until the joint moves back into place. The condition may require surgical correction. Patellar luxation, most common in very small dog breeds, also affects some Australian cattle dogs.

Obesity

Australian cattle dogs, especially those that live in confined spaces and lead a more sedentary lifestyle, may have problems with excess weight or even obesity. This breed needs lots of exercise. Australian cattle dogs were bred as working dogs, not house dogs, and without enough vigorous exercise, they tend to put on weight quickly. This presents a serious issue because obesity contributes to many other health problems in Australian cattle dogs.

Owners can help prevent obesity by paying close attention to how much they feed their dogs. Check the chart on your dog’s food to see how much they should be eating each day. And remember that treats have calories, too. Australian cattle dogs are very intelligent and driven to show their skills. Reward them with praise, pets, and active play, not just treats.

Thyroid Disorder

Hypothyroidism, a condition wherein a dog cannot produce enough thyroid hormone, can affect Australian cattle dogs. Dogs with this condition may have dry and itchy skin, a dry and dull coat, and may suffer from excessive hair loss. They may have low energy and gain weight excessively, even when fed properly. They may also suffer from behavioral changes. Hypothyroidism can usually be managed with medication.

Liver Disorder

Some Australian cattle dogs suffer from a liver disorder known as a portosystemic shunt (PSS). Dogs with this condition have an abnormal blood vessel that carries blood around the liver. This limits the liver’s ability to grow and function, and it can cause a buildup of toxins. Though the disorder can be very serious, it can often be managed with diet, medications, or surgery.

Kidney or Bladder Stones

Urolithiasis, the formation of deposits or stones in the urinary system, can affect Australian cattle dogs more often than some other breeds. Dogs with urolithiasis develop various types of stones in their kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract. These types of stones can form anywhere within the urinary system, and they can happen for a number of reasons. One hereditary condition that can affect Australian cattle dogs, known as cystinuria, prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing cystine. Excess amounts of this amino acid in the urine can cause painful stones and lead to kidney disease.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancers and other types of tumors can manifest in all types of dogs. However, Australian cattle dogs are more likely than many other breeds to develop mast cell tumors. These cancers appear as lumps under the skin. Lots of dogs develop odd lumps as they get older. Some lumps are harmless, such as benign fatty tumors, but others may be aggressive cancers. Mast cell tumors may be indistinguishable from benign tumors without examination by a trained veterinarian. The most successful treatment must be done as early as possible, so see the vet if you find a suspicious lump.

Australian Cattle Dog Lifespan

The average lifespan of Australian cattle dogs ranges from about 12 to 16 years. Exceptionally healthy individuals can live quite a bit longer. The oldest Australian cattle dog on record, Bluey, was born in 1910 and lived 29 years, and 5 months. Feeding your Australian cattle dog a proper diet, avoiding excess feeding, and making sure that they get plenty of exercise can help ensure that they live a long and healthy life. Also, owners should make sure that their Australian cattle dogs stay up to date on vaccines, including the rabies vaccine, and take care to prevent heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, and other disease-causing organisms.

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