About 95% of collies have some form of CEA. This eye exam can only be given by a
Certified Canine Ophthalmologist. CEA or Collie
Eye Anomaly is thought to be inherited by a autosomal recessive gene.
An affected dog is one who,
upon dilation of the eye, shows a visible deviation from a normal or unaffected eye when viewed with the proper instruments.
To be affected a dog would have inherited an affected gene from both parents.
A normal eyed dog is a dog who,
when examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist shows no visible signs of CEA, but possesses only one normal gene; the other
gene is affected.
A non-carrier is a normal
eyed collie who carries no affected genes. He cannot produce anything but normal eyed collies
A non-carrier cannot be diagnosed
by an eye check, as we are dealing with genes not effects of genes. If a dog comes from two non-carrier parents,
he is a non-carrier. Whether or not a dog is a non-carrier can only be defined by breeding. If a dog produces
a significant number of puppies, bred to an affected or normal eyed stud or bitch, and all have normal eyes,
no matter what the eye check of the other parent is, it's a safe bet he/she is a non-carrier.
