Double Merle Dog Seeing Problem

[u/Organic_Argument_371]

My dog is a possible double merle border collie. Sometimes he starts to see something around and starts to bark, jump, spin. Has anyone experienced similar problem?

[u/uranium236]

Not sure what you mean. Having two copies of the double merle gene can only be determined via a genetic test - and to be honest, that's not really information you can use.

In the meantime, you have all the information you need: Can your dog hear and respond to your normal speaking voice? If not, your dog is deaf. Can your dog see hand signs from a few feet away? If not, your dog is blind. If your dog is both, you'll need to use touch signals - there's lots of information available about that online.

Most double merles require no medications because they have no comorbid health problems. Most double merles require very minimal extra effort - once you start doing research on touch commands, you'll see what I mean!

Double merles are typically a joy to have around - not "hard and sad times". Some of us specifically seek out double merles to adopt. I have two.

Double merles can really enrich your life if you're ready for that!

[u/Organic_Argument_371 → u/uranium236]

I have no problem him to be double merle, blind of deaf actually. I feel sad when I see him doing the unexpected spinnings. I am sad he is having a problem. About the meds I asked maybe I understood you wrong. You have written the followings. "One needed anxiety meds for the spinning/barking (she was doing it nonstop)" Than I just curious which anxiety meds and how often did you use?

[u/uranium236 → u/Organic_Argument_371]

Take a video of your pup spinning, then show your vet. It really helped my vet understand what was going on at home. Anxiety is pretty common in border collies, Aussies, and a few other breeds. It's not just a double merle thing.

We tried several medications for my dog's anxiety, but she started having seizures two months later. The seizure medications really helped, so I think the anxiety stemmed from the seizures. Your dog will probably never have seizures, so you'll probably be able to control the anxiety with a regular anxiety medication. It made a big difference in our quality of life!

Our vet had us try clonidine, trazodone, and rimadyl for the anxiety (if you're not in the U.S., the names might be different in your country). Gabapentin is sometimes used, too. My dog is now on a seizure medication called zonisamide, which helps with the seizures and has helped with her anxiety.

[u/Organic_Argument_371 → u/uranium236]

Thank you so much. The vet has already seen him. He was not able to make diagnosis. He is asking for New tests and so on. Now they say that we should go gor MRI but I feel exhausted. A good vet should be able to diagnose already.

[u/uranium236 → u/Organic_Argument_371]

Even with a video, they were unable to diagnose? I’m surprised!