Australian Shepherd Vet in San Jose — ARCH Veterinary
Australian Shepherds are brilliant, athletic, and beloved Bay Area family dogs — and they come with specific medical risks every Aussie owner should know about: MDR1 drug sensitivity, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and inherited eye disease. ARCH Veterinary screens for all of them.
MDR1 gene mutation — critical to test
Up to 50% of Australian Shepherds carry the MDR1 mutation, which makes them dangerously sensitive to certain drugs including ivermectin (high doses), loperamide, vincristine, and some others. We strongly recommend MDR1 testing for every Aussie. Knowing the status lets us safely choose heartworm prevention, chemotherapy, and sedation drugs.
Orthopedic issues
Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, and patellar luxation are common. We recommend OFA hip and elbow X-rays before breeding and joint-protective care (weight, joint supplements, controlled exercise) for working and agility dogs.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy typically appears between 1 and 5 years of age. Seizures lasting more than 3 minutes, cluster seizures, or first-time seizures need immediate evaluation. Many epileptic Aussies are well controlled on phenobarbital, levetiracetam, or zonisamide.
Inherited eye disease
Collie Eye Anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cataracts all occur in the breed. Annual eye exams and breeding parent screening (CERF/OFA Eye Certification) are recommended.
Wellness priorities at ARCH
Annual exams, MDR1 testing, vaccinations, dental care, joint screening, eye exams, and weight management — especially important since this athletic breed can develop arthritis early if allowed to gain weight.
Advanced veterinary care in San Jose
ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.
Frequently asked questions
Should I test my Aussie for MDR1?
Yes — it's a simple cheek swab or blood test and changes how we dose multiple common drugs safely.
What's the lifespan of an Australian Shepherd?
Typically 12–15 years with good preventive care and weight management.
Are Aussies prone to cancer?
Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma occur in the breed, often in middle age or later. Annual senior bloodwork helps catch problems early.
How much exercise does an Aussie need?
A lot — at least 60–90 minutes of vigorous activity daily, plus mental enrichment. Under-exercised Aussies often develop behavior problems.