There are two inherited conditions in cocker spaniels for which there are currently genetic tests: PRA and FN.  The spaniels eye may also be screened under the KC/BVA scheme for signs of PRA.

More information about both of these conditions can be found on the cocker spaniel website, here: http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/health.htm 

Storm has had the genetic tests for PRA and for FN and was found to be of the genotype clear/normal for both conditions.  This means she does not have the mutated genes that cause the conditions. She will never be affected by either condition and can not produce puppies affected by either condition. A dog must have two of the mutated genes (one from sire, one from dam) to be affected by either condition.

As Tango is also genetically clear/normal for the conditions both Jack and Lily are also clear/normal by parentage.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie eye anomaly (CEA) also known as Choroidal Hypoplasia (CH)  is a disorder of the retina in which the choroid does not develop properly.  The severity of the condition is highly varied, and in the most severe cases the dog will be blind.  Puppies examined before 12 weeks of age that are found to be free of CEA will never develop it.  The gene for CEA is recessive and so a dog must inherit the CEA gene from both parents to be affected by the disease. 

Breeze was screened as a puppy, and is clear for CEA.  Her sire has been DNA tested through optigen for the gene and is clear/normal, and so will not have passed a CEA gene onto Breeze.  Results of optigen tests can now be added to KC registration documents for Border Collies.

Progressive Renal Atrophy

The type of PRA known to affect border collies is CPRA (centralised progressive renal atrophy).  This disease leads to progressive loss of central sight (not peripheral).  Dogs can be tested under the KC/BVA/ISDS scheme to determine whether they are affected by the condition.

Hip Displasia

Hip displasia occurs when the ball and socket joint do not fit properly.  The hips of dogs can be x-rayed to determine their hip score.  Currently total score of below 12 is below average for the Border Collie. It is likely that there are several genes that influence a dogs hip score along with other factors such as overfeeding and rapid growth.  There is only a loose correlation between parent and offspring hip scores, but this relationship is still significant.  The relationship between hip score and signs of displasia is also inconsistent, but generally the higher the hip score the greater the chance the dog will suffer from the condition.

Less Common Conditions

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS), is also known as Hereditary Neutropenia.  This disease results in a low neutrophil count, making the dog more vulnerable to infection.  The condition is inherited, and often puppies with TNS do not survive for many months.  DNA tests for TNS are now available and the results can be added to a Border Collie's KC papers.

Ceroid Lipofuscinosis

Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL), also known as Storage Disease, affects the nerve cells of the body and is fatal.  It is a rare condition, affecting the dog at around 18 months of age.  The CL gene must be inherited from both parents for a puppy to be affected.  DNA tests for CL are now available and results can be added to a Border Collie's KC papers.

Primary Lens Luxation

This condition is likely to be the result of inheriting a dominant gene, and evidence of the condition usually appears between 3-8 years of age.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is characterised by fits.  Age of onset is usually between 6 months and 5 years of age.  There may be a genetic component to the condition.

Osteochondritis Dissecans

Usually occurs in puppies between 4-9 months, but may affect older dogs, and is more common in dogs than bitches.  The symptoms are similar to arthritis, and are often caused by trauma, but there may be a genetic component.