Originally discovered in the Collie breed, Collie eye anomaly also affects other breeds including Australian Sheepdogs, Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Collie eye and Sheltie eye are inherited, and as many as 90 percent of all Collies in the United States are said to be affected to some degree. In this condition areas of tissue in the fetus did not transform as they should have. In severe cases, vision may be greatly impaired, however, in most instances, the lesions can only be identified by an exam with an ophthalmoscope. Collie eye anomaly is a condition which includes several eye defects.
Vision is always impaired, but the extent depends on the severity of the defects.
It is inherited and should be selected against in any breeding program. Exams and certification by a veterinary ophthalmologist should be conducted in all animals of affected breeds who may be used for breeding. These exams can be done as early as 6-8 weeks of age. There is no treatment to eliminate Collie eye anomaly. Veterinarians can detect lesions early on in cases of which the retina has not developed correctly or lacks normal pigmentation.