Vet Guide to Collie Eye Anomaly in Dogs 2025 🐶👁️
In this article
Vet Guide to Collie Eye Anomaly in Dogs 2025 🐶👁️
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is a congenital, inherited eye disorder affecting Collies and related breeds. In this 2025 guide, I explain the genetic causes, typical eye abnormalities, diagnosis, lifelong management, and breeding considerations to support optimal canine eye health. 💡
📍 What Is Collie Eye Anomaly?
- CEA (also called choroidal hypoplasia) is a congenital defect present at birth due to incomplete development of blood vessels beneath the retina.
- The anomaly is bilateral but may affect each eye differently. It stems from an autosomal recessive gene mutation (in NHEJ1).
- A range of abnormalities may occur: pale choroid, retinal folds, coloboma (retinal hole), retinal detachment, hemorrhage—severity varies.
⚠️ Which Breeds Are Affected?
- Most common in Rough and Smooth Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
📝 Clinical Signs & Impact
- Often mild—with no immediate vision issues—but colobomas or retinal detachment can cause sudden blindness.
- Visible signs: microphthalmia (small eyes), enophthalmia (sunken eyes), vision impairment, bumping into objects.
- Blindness is usually painless, though secondary glaucoma may develop, causing pain and requiring treatment.
🔬 Diagnosis & Screening
- Ophthalmoscopic exam by 6–8 weeks reveals choroidal hypoplasia; beyond this “go‑normal” period, pigment can mask the lesion.
- Veterinary ophthalmologists use dilated fundus exams to identify retinal changes like colobomas or hemorrhages.
- Genetic testing (DNA swab) identifies carriers and affected dogs—important to guide breeding.
✅ Treatment & Management
- No cure exists for CEA itself.
- Laser surgery may prevent progression of early retinal detachment.
- Supportive care for affected dogs includes monitoring for glaucoma or eye discomfort, adapting environment, and ensuring safety.
🧬 Breeding & Prevention
- CEA is autosomal recessive—both parents must carry the gene for affected puppies.
- Responsible breeding involves genetic testing and early eye exams to avoid breeding affected or carrier dogs together.
- Selective breeding has reduced CEA prevalence over decades, though pigment can mask mild cases post‑puppyhood (“go‑normal”).
📊 Summary Table
| Aspect | Description | Vet/Breeder Action |
|---|---|---|
| Choroidal Hypoplasia | Pale retina layer | Early eye exam at 6–8 wks |
| Coloboma/Detachment | Hole or flap ≥ vision risk | Monitor/surgery if early |
| Genetic Status | Clear, carrier, affected | DNA test before breeding |
| Vision Outcomes | Normal to blind | Adapt home; monitor comfort, eye health |
✅ Vet Tips by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
- 🔍 Perform ophthalmic exams at 6–8 weeks to detect early lesions before pigmentation masks them.
- 🧪 Use commercial DNA testing and screen breeding dogs to prevent passing on defective genes.
- 📆 Even asymptomatic dogs need annual eye checks to monitor for late-onset complications.
- 🏠 Make living environments safe and consistent to support dogs with visual impairment.
If your dog is of a Collie or herding breed and has atypical eyes or vision issues, schedule an evaluation via the AskAVet.com app.🐾❤️
