The Lancashire Heeler is very close to its roots as a funtioning farm dog who herds livestock, dispatches vermin, and works by the side of his human family.
By virtue of this history of being valued as worker more than a show dog or pet, the Heeler is a robust breed with few inherited diseases. They are renowned for their hardiness in all kinds of weather and working conditions. Most live full lives until an advanced age.
Health Screenings
A wise owner tries to prevent health problems in her dogs or intervene while an issue is still small and manageable. This makes financial sense but, more importantly, it is best for the welfare of the dog and the breed. Screening is a vital component of maintaining good health for the individual and the population.
We recommend the following Health Screenings for all Lancashire Heelers. If the animal is used for breeding, these recommendations should be considered an ethical duty.
Eyes
Like many herding dogs, Lancashire Heelers can be prone to eye issues. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) are the two that are likely to be found. With the advent of accurate and inexpensive genetic screening (DNA testing), breeders can identify carriers and affected dogs. It is safe to use these dogs, as long as it is done thoughtfully. The results of the DNA tests make it possible to integrate carriers in the breeding program. This practice helps to preserve other desirable characteristics passed down in DNA. Since breeders availed themselves of genetic testing information, the rate CEA or PLL has become negligible.
Because not every eye issue in Lancashire Heelers can be determined via genetic screening, we strongly recommend regular eye exams conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
- All puppies should have a preliminary eye examination with dialation before leaving their mothers.
- Ideally all dogs should have a yearly eye exam to catch potentially painful or debilitating eye conditions early when treatment is likely to be most effective.
- Any Lancashire Heeler used for breeding needs regular eye exams, the most recent of which should take place within the year leading up to mating.
Stifles
Another problem can be slipping stifles, also called Patellar Luxation (PL). A knowledgeable veterinarian can discover this problem easily, and rate the severity of the problem by palpating both the stifles. (In human terms, these are the the dog’s knees.) A grade of zero is preferable, but a grade of one is still considered acceptable for breeding. Any higher rating higher is not acceptable.
At a minimum, the stifles should be examined around one year of age and again at three years. Your veterinarian may suggest further examinations depending on the results of these two examinations but most dogs will not need any more.
Heart
Only on rare occasions have heart issues resulting from an inherited malformation of the heart popped up with this breed. When there is a known history indicating a concern in either the dam’s lineage or the sire’s, a heart screening by auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) should be performed. A vetinerary cardiologist or another practioner with experience evaluating canine hearts should perform this clinical assessment as a precaution before breeding. Cardiac clinics are often offered at a reduced cost at dog shows.
Other
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is talked about far more often than it actually appears in the Lancashire Heeler population. By the numbers, it is extremely rare in Heelers, which is good because screening techniques, including X-rays, are worthless. The femoral head appears normal—until it isn’t. By the time the dog is showing signs of lameness and pain, a clinical problem in need of treatment exists. Before that point there is nothing for veterinarians to observe.
Health Care
We recommend that you work closely with a veterinarian to establish a routine of preventative medicine and health care.
Talk to your practitioner about the following:
- IMMUNIZATIONS—which are recommended; which are optional; what is the recommended frequency
- ROUTINE PREVENTATIVE CARE—how often should you bring your Lancashire Heeler to see her veterinarian
- IDENTIFICATION—check your dog’s microchip or other permanent ID to be sure it is still in place and functioning
- SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION—history, life style, life stage, diet, and behavior
- OBJECTIVE EVALUATION—physical evaluation, dental assessment, body and muscle condition, pain assessment
- REPRODUCTIVE ASSESSMENT—Advice to include whether to spay or neuter your dog, genetic counseling, when to sterilize,if that’s the best choice for your dog and your situation
- BE PREPARED that your practitioner may be unfamilair with Lancashire Heelers and their breed-specific considerations and share what you know
What is OFA?
“Founded in 1966, our mission is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. The OFA website and databases provide the tools needed, whether you are a veterinarian, breeder or prospective animal owner.”
—Quote from the Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals website
About the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
What is CHIC about?
The OFA created the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by partnering with participating parent clubs (see the definition of parent club in the AKC glossary) in the United States to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds. Individual AKC breed clubs have determined what tests need to be done per breed. Dogs tested in accordance with that protocol are recognized with a CHIC number and certification.
What does a CHIC number mean?
A CHIC number for dogs indicates that the dog has undergone specific health tests recommended for its breed and that the results are submitted to a central database. This certification helps breeders and buyers make informed decisions about a dog’s health and breeding potential.
It is necessary to read the dog’s report because having a CHIC number does not indicate that the dog is clear of an individual health issue. Instead it means the dog has been tested and the results are published on the OFA site. It’s important that a potential puppy buyer or breeder research individual dogs to see what may be in their backgrounds.
What screening is necessary?
In addition to screening for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) using DNA testing, a clinical examination for Patellar Luxation (PL) is required by the Lancashire Heeler parent club in the the U.S. to receive a CHIC number.
We have good evidence to support a policy requiring all Heelers, especially all breeding dogs, have regular eye exams. At least within a year of breeding male or female Lancashire Heelers should receive a physical eye exam before breeding. All puppies have an initial eye exam preformed by an ophthalmologist before leaving the breeder.
How to find a health clinic?
- Ask your breeder. Most good breeders will be able to guide you.
- Ask locally. If you know anyone who is active in dog sports or conformation, ask them how to obtain the screening you need. If you haven’t met anyone yet, search the web for clubs near you.
- Check the OFA website. They offer a calendar of planned clinics, their locations, what services will be offered, and costs.