Eye Health & ECVO Screening
Eye Conditions in the Kelpie
Hereditary eye diseases (such as PRA, CEA, or congenital cataract) are fortunately very rare in the Australian Kelpie. What we occasionally see in senior dogs is age-related cataract. This is a natural aging process of the lens, distinct from hereditary eye disorders in young dogs.
ECVO Eye Examinations
The Netherlands has an extensive network of certified veterinary ophthalmologists. Consequently, Dutch breeding regulations require a mandatory ECVO eye examination (a specialized slit-lamp test) prior to breeding. We always have our resident dogs officially screened for inherited eye diseases before introducing them to our breeding program.
Foreign Stud Dogs
To maintain a broad and healthy gene pool, we occasionally use foreign stud dogs. In many countries outside the Netherlands, certified ECVO specialists are scarce, and routine eye testing is not standard practice. When selecting a foreign stud, we carefully evaluate the dog’s health history and bloodline to ensure responsible breeding choices for our puppies.
