{"id":274,"date":"2025-02-08T03:04:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-08T03:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.lancashireheelersunited.org\/?page_id=274"},"modified":"2025-02-08T15:47:53","modified_gmt":"2025-02-08T15:47:53","slug":"health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staging.lancashireheelersunited.org\/index.php\/health\/","title":{"rendered":"Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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(Hererra, Kelly, untitled, 2024)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Health Screenings<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Eyes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like many herding dogs, Lancashire Heelers can be prone to eye issues. Collie Eye Anomaly<\/a> (CEA) and Primary Lens Luxation<\/a> (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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n