Border Collies often hyperfocus on movement and visual cues (wheels, running children, other pets, light/shadows) and show the breed-typical “eye” (intense stare and stalk) that owners may describe as zoning out or not listening; they’re also overrepresented for noise reactivity (thunder, fireworks, beeps), so busy, noisy lobbies can heighten stress. Common stress signs include fixed staring/crouching, trembling, panting, pacing, trying to bolt, and occasional heel-nipping. Operational tips: ask about motion/noise/light triggers on arrival, room quickly to a quiet space when possible, let the handler stay close and guide positioning, and avoid prolonged direct eye contact or sudden restraint. If the dog shows frantic escape attempts, escalating aggression, or self-injury, move to a quiet room and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: “Many Border Collies are sensitive to noise and fast movement. Would you prefer we room you right away in a quieter area, and are there specific triggers (wheels, shadows/lights, other dogs) we should avoid?” “You’re welcome to stay close and help position if that keeps them calmer. If we see frantic panting, shaking, bolting, or snapping, we’ll move you to a quiet room and notify the veterinarian immediately.”
Border Collies have several breed‑linked risks to keep on radar: exercise‑triggered Border Collie Collapse (episodes of disorientation, wobbly/ataxic gait or collapse 5–15 minutes into intense activity), a recognized predisposition to idiopathic epilepsy (often young‑adult onset and may cluster), herding‑breed drug sensitivity from the ABCB1/MDR1 variant (potential severe neurologic reactions to certain medications—ensure the veterinarian reviews all meds first), Border Collie–specific Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome in puppies (immune compromise with poor growth/recurrent infections), inherited eye disease such as Collie Eye Anomaly (risk of vision defects), general orthopedic risk like hip dysplasia, and rare congenital deafness reported in the breed. Red flags to escalate immediately: active seizure, collapse during/after exercise, sudden vision loss, or suspected exposure to problem drugs. ([vetmed.umn.edu](https://vetmed.umn.edu/research/research-labs/canine-genetics-lab/canine-genetics-research/border-collie-collapse?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Border Collie—this breed can be prone to exercise‑related collapse episodes, seizure disorders, certain drug sensitivities (ABCB1/MDR1), and a few inherited concerns in puppies and the eyes/hips. If you report a seizure, collapse during activity, sudden vision loss, or possible exposure to high‑risk medications, we recommend emergency evaluation now; if not currently active, we’ll alert the doctor immediately and prioritize today. Please mention any past episodes or genetic test results so we can flag the chart for the clinician.
Border Collies are ultra‑smart, high‑energy herding dogs that do best in very active homes; plan on vigorous daily exercise plus training/brain games to prevent barking or destructive boredom. They have a double coat that sheds seasonally and benefit from regular brushing; typical adult size is about 30–55 lb with a 12–15‑year lifespan. Common breed concerns include hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease (Collie Eye Anomaly), and a predisposition to epilepsy; some herding lines can carry the MDR1/ABCB1 gene variant that increases sensitivity to certain medications—ask your veterinarian about breed‑relevant screening (hips, eye exam, and optional genetic tests) and documenting any MDR1 status before new meds. If your dog collapses during activity, has a first‑time seizure, sudden vision loss, or severe weakness/vomiting after a new medication, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Border Collies thrive with lots of daily exercise and mental work; they’re a great fit for very active families. At wellness visits, the doctor can discuss breed‑appropriate screening (hips and eyes; sometimes hearing or genetic tests such as CEA/MDR1) and routine prevention. Please tell us before starting any new medication if your dog has had MDR1 testing. If you ever see a first‑time seizure, sudden vision changes, collapse with exercise, or a severe reaction after a new medication, go to the emergency clinic now or call us immediately.
Border Collies are frequent front‑desk contacts for: sudden limping or toe/shoulder strains after fetch, herding, or agility; owner questions about drug safety and pre‑procedure medications due to MDR1/ABCB1 sensitivity; requests for breed‑screening info (e.g., puppy eye checks for CEA, optional MDR1 testing); high‑arousal or noise‑sensitivity behavior concerns; and common primary‑care issues seen across dogs (vomiting/diarrhea after dietary changes, itchy skin/ear irritation, dental cleanings, and senior stiffness). Escalate immediately if the dog collapses or shows disorientation during/after intense exercise (possible BCC), is non‑weight‑bearing, has repeated vomiting, labored breathing, or sudden neurologic signs.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Border Collie. Because these athletic dogs often strain toes/shoulders from activity, we can arrange a same‑day exam for new limping; if your dog won’t bear weight or is in severe pain, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now. If you’re calling about medications or preventives, we’ll review safe options and note any MDR1/ABCB1 test results on file. If your dog collapses or seems disoriented during/after exercise, stop activity and go to emergency care immediately.
Border Collies have a double coat (smooth or rough) with a dense undercoat; plan for routine brushing 1–2x weekly and extra de-shedding during seasonal “coat blows.” Avoid shaving the double coat—use undercoat rakes/de-shedding instead and refer to groomers experienced with double coats. After baths or swims, ensure the coat is fully dried to the skin to help prevent moisture-trapped irritation. Front desk should flag reports of painful mats, sudden bad odor, oozing/ulcerated skin, or intense scratching for same-day evaluation.
Front desk script: This breed has a double coat that sheds seasonally; we recommend regular brushing at home and scheduling de-shedding/grooming with a groomer familiar with double coats. We don’t recommend shaving—if you’d like, we can provide a groomer referral. If you notice open sores, rapidly spreading redness, foul odor, painful mats, or nonstop scratching, we recommend a same-day medical visit. If there is facial swelling or trouble breathing after a bath or product exposure, please seek emergency care immediately.
Border Collies are high‑drive herding dogs; for intake, ask about activity‑related injuries (acute or non‑weight‑bearing lameness warrants same‑day), any seizure history or recent neurologic episodes (active seizure, clusters, or post‑ictal collapse = emergency), and eye concerns—especially in puppies (confirm if breeder/owner ophthalmic exam was done; sudden eye pain/redness or vision loss is same‑day to emergency). Document MDR1 drug‑sensitivity status if known (or note “unknown”) and avoid advising OTC medications—flag for veterinarian review, as loperamide and certain sedatives/chemo agents can be problematic in at‑risk herding breeds. Likely routing: working/sport injuries to GP same‑day, vision concerns to GP with possible ophthalmology referral, and seizure concerns to GP same‑day unless currently seizing (then ER).
Front desk script: To help schedule the right visit for your Border Collie, have you noticed sudden eye pain/redness or vision changes, non‑weight‑bearing limping after activity, collapse/overheating, or any seizures? If your dog is actively seizing, collapsed, struggling to breathe, or has a very painful red eye, this is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest ER now. Otherwise, we’ll arrange a same‑day exam. Has your dog been MDR1‑tested? Please avoid giving any over‑the‑counter meds (especially loperamide/Imodium); I’ll note this for the doctor.
Puppy: plan a series of wellness visits through roughly 16–20 weeks and discuss early ophthalmic screening (CAER) for inherited eye conditions, microchipping, socialization, and safe activity during rapid growth; book prompt rechecks if lameness appears. Adult: schedule annual wellness/preventive care; common questions focus on healthy outlets for very high energy (training, agility/herding), dental cleanings, and whether to pursue hip/eye screening for breeding or sport. Senior (about 7+ years): book checkups every 6 months to monitor mobility, cognition, and vision/hearing and to adjust activity and home setup. Escalate immediately if a Border Collie collapses, staggers, or seems disoriented during/after intense exercise—stop activity and call the clinic now; if not improving within minutes or if markedly overheated, proceed to emergency care.
Front desk script: For puppies, we’ll set up a series of new‑pet visits through the 16–20 week mark and can arrange an early CAER eye screen; any sport or working plans we should note? For adults, we recommend yearly wellness care and can schedule dental cleanings and fitness/sports consults as needed. For seniors (around 7+), we’ll book checkups every 6 months to track mobility, cognition, and vision/hearing. If you ever see collapse, staggering, or confusion during/after exercise, stop activity and call us right away—if not quickly improving or very hot, head to the nearest emergency hospital.
Border Collies are high-drive, intelligent herding dogs that can become overstimulated in busy lobbies; reduce friction by offering car check-in, first/last-of-day slots, and quick rooming. Use clear, neutral language to set expectations: “We’ll keep things calm and efficient” and “Please arrive with a secure leash/harness.” Triage with targeted, non-clinical questions: “Any wobbliness, disorientation, or collapse after intense exercise or heat?” and “Any notes about drug sensitivity/MDR1 testing in prior records?” If an owner reports current collapse, extreme panting with weakness, or unresponsiveness after activity or heat, use explicit escalation: “This is an emergency—please proceed to the nearest veterinary ER now while we alert our medical team.”
Front desk script: “Border Collies often do best with a calm, quick check-in. We can check you in from your car and bring you straight to a room—please use a secure leash or harness.” “Have you noticed any wobbliness, disorientation, or collapse after intense play or in warm weather, or any notes about drug sensitivity/MDR1 testing?” “If your dog is currently collapsed, very hot with heavy panting, or not responsive, please go to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital now while I notify our clinical team.”
Border Collies have several preventive-care watchouts: exercise-triggered Border Collie Collapse (episodes of disorientation and staggering 5–15 minutes into intense activity—screen history and flag high-intensity dogs, especially in warm weather); inherited eye disease risk (Collie Eye Anomaly and retinal dystrophies—schedule a baseline ophthalmic screen with yearly CAER rechecks; same-day triage for sudden vision change or night-vision decline); and rare but reported ABCB1/MDR1 drug sensitivity—confirm MDR1 test status before new medications, sedation, or high‑dose antiparasitics and request owners bring prior genetic results. If a Border Collie collapses, shows marked disorientation, or has labored breathing during/after exercise, advise immediate emergency evaluation.
Front desk script: Border Collies can develop an exercise-related collapse; if you ever see disorientation, staggering, or collapse during or shortly after activity, please stop the activity and proceed to the nearest emergency vet—call us on the way and we’ll coordinate. We also recommend a baseline and annual CAER eye screening due to breed eye risks; I can add that to your visit or schedule it separately. Before any new medications or sedation, do you have MDR1/ABCB1 drug-sensitivity test results for your dog? If yes, please bring them; if not, I’ll note it for the doctor to review.
High-drive, highly intelligent herding breed that can be motion- and noise‑sensitive; easily overaroused in busy lobbies. Front-desk handling: greet calmly, avoid prolonged eye contact and loud cues, offer quick rooming or a quiet corner, keep waits short, and note any focus cues the owner uses. What matters most: confirm outlets for daily exercise/mental work; ask about known drug sensitivities or MDR1 testing (herding breeds are overrepresented); and flag any history of eye problems or neurologic episodes for the clinician. Escalate immediately if the owner reports collapse, seizures, confusion, or extreme panting/drooling after exertion, or suspected ingestion of loperamide or high-dose macrocyclic lactones—notify medical staff now (emergency).
Front desk script: “Border Collies can get overstimulated in busy spaces, so we’ll keep things calm and move you in quickly. Has your dog ever been tested for the MDR1 gene or had any medication sensitivities? If your dog exercised hard today or is panting heavily, please tell me so we can get you into a cool, quiet room. If you ever suspect they took Imodium (loperamide) or a high dose of ivermectin, or if you see collapse or seizures, let me know immediately—this is an emergency.”
Border Collies are high-drive, highly intelligent herding dogs that can develop stress behaviors in kennels and immediately post-adoption; plan for decompression, structured exercise, and daily mental enrichment. For intake/placement, collect any prior health and genetic records (e.g., eye screening/CAER certificates; any DNA testing such as for Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome) and note history of exertional episodes. Partners should be aware of Border Collie Collapse (exercise‑triggered wobbliness/disorientation) and an elevated breed risk for idiopathic epilepsy; if a newly adopted dog shows wobbliness, disorientation, sudden collapse after vigorous play/work, or any seizure, stop activity and direct the adopter to emergency veterinary care immediately. Herding‑related nipping, motion‑chasing, and noise sensitivity are common; recommend early training resources and careful management around children, traffic, and skittish pets.
Front desk script: Border Collies often need more mental and physical work than typical pet dogs. For new adoptions, please bring any health records, eye exam results, or DNA test information you received. If you notice wobbliness, disorientation, collapse after hard exercise, or any seizure, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now. We can also share enrichment and training resources tailored to herding breeds.
Border Collies are extremely intelligent, high‑energy herding dogs that are motion‑ and sound‑sensitive; they may fixate (“eye”), herd/nip, bark when aroused, and can be reserved with strangers. For check‑in and waiting room flow: require a short, non‑retractable leash; seat away from doors, windows, and high‑traffic areas; avoid crowding, direct reaching, or prolonged eye contact; expedite weigh‑in and go straight to a quiet room when possible. Ask owners about known triggers (other dogs, fast movement, loud noises), established training cues, bite history, and permission for staff to offer high‑value treats or a toy to keep focus. For handoff, use a calm voice, slow movements, and invite the dog to follow rather than pulling. Escalate immediately to a room and notify the medical team if arousal/aggression is rising (stiff body, hard stare, lunging, growling, snapping); if sudden severe behavior change with disorientation or collapse is reported/observed, call for urgent medical assessment.
Front desk script: Border Collies are bright and very motion‑sensitive, so we’ll seat you in a quiet spot and get you into an exam room quickly. Are there any triggers we should avoid (other dogs, fast movement, noises) or any bite history? Is it OK for us to offer high‑value treats and use any cues your dog knows? If your dog becomes worried or reactive, we’ll move you straight to a room and alert the medical team.
For Border Collies, treat the following as same-day emergency triggers: collapse or disorientation during or within 5–15 minutes after intense exercise (Border Collie Collapse–type episodes); any active seizure lasting over 5 minutes, two or more seizures within 24 hours, or failure to return to normal within ~30 minutes; labored or noisy breathing, blue or pale gums, or sudden weakness/collapse; signs of heat stress (excessive panting/drooling, confusion, collapse, seizures); and non-productive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen. If any of these are reported, escalate immediately and direct the client to an emergency veterinary hospital now.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency for Border Collies and needs immediate veterinary evaluation. Please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now; I will alert our clinician/ER to expect you. If you are en route here and our team cannot accept immediately, go directly to the closest 24/7 ER. If possible, call us or the ER while you are on the way so we can prepare.