When a dog inherits two copies of the merle gene it virtually always has serious eye defects. These dogs frequently are mostly white and may also be deaf. The condition is sometimes referred to as merle ocular dysgenesis.

Feb 27, 2008 · Two merle Australian shepherds are bred and produce a puppy who is deaf and blind. Animal rescue groups step in to help. Kayla, a blind and deaf puppy, could easily serve as the poster canine for Best Friends Animal Help.

Jan 29, 2014 · If your dog loses his vision, either gradually or overnight, there are several things you can do to help him. Learn more about living with a blind dog.

Rescue and Sanctuary is a 501 (c)(3) Australian shepherd rescue specializing in double merle awareness. We are passionate about helping Australian shepherds and border collies, particularly those born with hearing and vision impairments as a result of merle-to-merle breeding.

Jun 1, 2024 · Just ask Jubilee, the blind dog! This young Australian Shepherd is as joyful as can be, and she spends her days helping her owners educate other pet owners about the rare disease that makes her so special.

Sep 20, 2015 · PAWsitive Channel and Family Dog Rescue team up to bring a story of a “special needs” dog that isn’t special but amazing! Noel, a nearly all white Australian Shepherd was also born blind and deaf but you wouldn’t believe it just by looking at her. She is helping to spread …

Aug 22, 2023 · Kristen Strouse, of Perkasie, Penn., adopted Raina when she was just 6 months old. This sweet Australian shepherd was born a double merle, which caused her white coat, blindness, and deafness at birth. But Strouse says her disabilities have never held her back.

Jun 30, 2023 · But that’s nothing in comparison to how TikTok user @aussies_devine preps her blind Australian Shepherd to go out. In this recent clip, she shows us the special harness and halo her dog wears. We’ve never seen the halo before, but it’s …

Dakota is my Australian Shepherd and Kelen is my mini Aussie. They are both double merles.... deaf and blind. Yet, despite the fact that these two can't see or hear, they are AMAZING! Dakota and Kelen are trained with touch signals, vibrations, and scents. They both participate in agility and Dakota has passed her Canine Good Citizen test.

All Aussies affected with CEA will exhibit choroidal hypoplasia in both eyes. Some will have optic disc coloboma, and retinal dysplasia or detachment which may occur in either or both eyes. Most affected dogs have functional vision, but some are blind in one or both eyes. Diagnosis of CEA presents some challenges.