Collies are high-drive herding dogs that can be very sensitive to motion and sound; in busy lobbies they may fixate on moving people/pets, pace, bark, or try to ‘herd’ (circling/nudging). Large owner surveys report Rough Collies show more fear of surfaces/heights, so slick floors, grates, stairs, and exam tables can increase stress; calm, low-voice greetings and avoiding overhead reaching usually help. Some Collies have inherited vision issues (e.g., Collie Eye Anomaly), which may make owners report bumping into objects or hesitance in low light or on stairs. Collies also have a higher likelihood of MDR1 drug sensitivity—owners might describe sudden wobbliness, tremors, or collapse after certain medications; if acute neurologic signs after a medication or sudden vision loss/painful eye are reported, treat as an emergency and alert a clinician immediately.
Front desk script: “Many Collies are motion- or noise‑sensitive. Would you prefer we move you to a quiet room and approach your dog slowly?” “Has your Collie ever been fearful on slick floors, stairs, or exam tables?” “Do you know your dog’s MDR1 status, or has your dog ever had a reaction to meds (sedatives, dewormers, anti‑diarrheals)?” “If you’re seeing sudden wobbliness, tremors, seizures, collapse after a medication, or sudden eye pain/vision loss, this is an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER while I alert the doctor.”
Collies have notable breed-linked risks: many carry the MDR1/ABCB1 gene variant that makes certain drugs (e.g., some antiparasitics at high doses and some sedatives/chemotherapy) more likely to cause severe neurologic reactions—if a Collie develops wobbliness, extreme sedation, tremors, seizures, or sudden blindness after any medication or topical dewormer, treat this as an emergency and contact the clinic immediately. They are also predisposed to Collie Eye Anomaly (congenital eye changes; early screening is typical) and can develop sun-related nasal skin disease (“collie nose”) and an inherited skin–muscle condition (dermatomyositis) that causes facial/tail-tip crusting or hair loss; merle/white patterned dogs may be at higher risk for pigment-associated congenital deafness.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Collie—before we prescribe or sedate, has your dog had an MDR1 (drug‑sensitivity) test or any prior reactions to medications? If you ever see sudden wobbliness, extreme sleepiness, tremors, seizures, or vision changes after a medication or dewormer, please call us now and head in immediately. Collies can also have inherited eye and skin issues; if you notice squinting, bumping into things, or sores on the nose/face, we’ll arrange a prompt exam.
Collies are friendly, smart herding dogs that need daily exercise and mental play; Roughs shed heavily seasonally and need regular brushing (Smooths less). Collies have a known drug-sensitivity (MDR1) gene—please tell us if your dog has been tested and check with us before giving any new or over‑the‑counter medications; call right away if you see wobbliness, tremors, or seizures after a new med. Puppies should have an early eye screen or DNA test for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA); ask breeders for results. Pale or pink noses can sunburn and develop “collie nose”—limit midday sun and book a same‑day exam if you see crusting or sores. Go to emergency care now for gagging/retching without vomit with a tight, swollen belly, sudden blindness, collapse, or severe neurologic signs.
Front desk script: Collies are active, people‑oriented dogs—expect daily activity and routine brushing (Roughs shed more than Smooths). Before any new meds, has your Collie had the MDR1 drug‑sensitivity test? We’ll note results in the chart and choose safe options. For puppies, ask if a CEA eye exam or DNA test was done—we can help schedule one. If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight belly, sudden vision loss, or neurologic signs after a new medication, head to the ER now and call us on the way.
Front desks most often hear from Collie owners about medication safety and post‑medication concerns because many Collies carry the MDR1/ABCB1 variant (questions about heartworm/flea products, over‑the‑counter anti‑diarrheals like loperamide, and sedatives/anesthesia); eye‑related calls for puppy screening or new squinting/red or painful eyes due to breed‑linked Collie Eye Anomaly; and seasonal nose/face irritation on lightly pigmented skin (“collie nose”/sun sensitivity). Escalate immediately if the owner reports non‑productive retching with a tight/bloated abdomen, collapse, severe tremors, or seizures after any medication; recommend same‑day evaluation for sudden vision change, a very painful eye, or persistent vomiting after a new drug.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—some Collies can react differently to certain medications. What exact product, dose, and time was given, and what signs are you seeing now? If there is non‑productive retching with a tight belly, collapse, severe tremors, or seizures, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now; I can provide the address. For new eye pain/squinting or sudden vision change—or if signs began after a new medication—I’ll book a same‑day appointment and alert the medical team.
Collies (rough and smooth) have a dense double coat with heavy seasonal shedding (“coat blow”) and high matting risk behind ears, armpits, and hindquarters; expect longer grooming appointments during sheds and after mats form. Regular at‑home brushing and periodic professional de‑shedding help keep the undercoat from trapping moisture and debris. Avoid close shaving to skin unless medically directed, as double coats protect from sun and temperature extremes and may regrow poorly. Collies are predisposed to sun‑sensitive nasal skin changes (“Collie nose”) and familial dermatomyositis affecting face/ear tips; front desk should flag reports of nose color loss, crusting, cracking/ulcers, or painful, foul‑smelling mats with moist skin for same‑day medical evaluation and possible dermatology referral.
Front desk script: Collies have a double coat that sheds heavily and can mat, so we recommend frequent brushing at home and scheduling longer grooming visits during shedding seasons. If you’re seeing nose color changes, crusting or sores, or if mats are tight with odor or moist skin, we should book a same‑day medical exam before any grooming. Would you prefer a dermatology-focused appointment or a grooming maintenance visit? We can note sun‑sensitivity concerns for the veterinarian.
Collies are at high risk for MDR1 (ABCB1) drug sensitivity—flag the chart to verify MDR1 status and always ask about recent meds (OTC antidiarrheals like loperamide/Imodium, dewormers, livestock antiparasitics, flea/tick/heartworm products) during intake; if neurologic signs follow medication (wobbliness, tremors, extreme sleepiness, seizures), stop further dosing and route to emergency care now; for puppies or any vision concerns, note breed risk for Collie Eye Anomaly and book a prompt doctor/ophthalmic exam; alert the veterinarian before any sedation/anesthesia and request copies of prior MDR1/eye test results for the record.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—because Collies can have medication sensitivities, has your dog recently taken any medicines, including over-the-counter products like Imodium (loperamide), dewormers, or flea/heartworm preventives? If you’re seeing wobbliness, tremors, severe sleepiness, or seizures after a medication, this is an emergency—please do not give any more and proceed to the nearest ER while I notify our doctor. For puppies or vision concerns, I’ll schedule a prompt exam and note Collie-specific screening in the chart. Do you have MDR1 genetic or eye test results we can add to the record?
Collie lifecycle needs: Puppy—expect multiple wellness visits; verify any breeder eye screening for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and ask if MDR1 genetic testing has been done so the chart can flag drug sensitivities before any new medications or sedation. Adult—book annual wellness and routine preventives; keep MDR1 status highly visible in the record and confirm it when scheduling procedures or dispensing new meds; ask about any vision changes. Senior—plan more frequent checkups (often every ~6 months per senior-care guidance) with labs and mobility/behavior/vision check-ins; continue MDR1 alerts for any medication changes. Triage immediately if an owner reports nonproductive retching with a tight, distended abdomen (possible bloat/GDV), sudden vision loss, collapse, or severe neurologic signs after starting a new medication—advise immediate in-clinic evaluation or nearest ER.
Front desk script: For Collie puppies, we’ll set up a series of wellness visits; may I note whether your pup has had an MDR1 genetic test or breeder eye screening for Collie Eye Anomaly? For adults, we schedule yearly wellness; before any sedation or new medication we’ll double-check MDR1 status in the chart. For seniors, we recommend checkups about every six months with screening labs. If you notice a swollen, tight belly with unproductive retching, sudden blindness, collapse, or severe neurologic signs after a new medicine, please come in now or go to the nearest ER.
For Collies, confirm MDR1/ABCB1 drug-sensitivity status and any past reactions to medications or sedation; ask clients to bring MDR1 test results and current medication names so the chart can be flagged for the doctor. Collies are also predisposed to inherited eye conditions (e.g., Collie Eye Anomaly), so note whether a puppy has had an ACVO/OFA CAER eye screening and record any owner-reported vision concerns. If an owner reports neurologic signs after starting a new medication (e.g., vomiting, weakness, unsteady gait, tremors, seizures, or sudden blindness), treat this as an emergency and immediately alert clinical staff.
Front desk script: “Many Collies carry a gene (MDR1/ABCB1) that can affect how they handle certain medications—has your dog been tested, and have you ever noticed a reaction to meds or sedation?” “Please bring any MDR1 test results and ACVO/OFA eye (CAER) paperwork so we can note this for the doctor.” “If you notice wobbliness, tremors, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, or sudden vision changes after a new medication, please tell me right away—this may be an emergency and I will connect you with our medical team immediately or direct you to the nearest ER.”
Front-desk watchouts for Collies: confirm and chart-flag MDR1 (ABCB1) drug-sensitivity test status at intake and before any new prescriptions, anesthetics, or parasite control; if status is unknown, offer scheduling for a DNA test and alert the medical team. Book puppy/first-visit ophthalmic screening and note any owner reports of bumping into objects or night-vision changes due to Collie Eye Anomaly risk. Educate owners on bloat (GDV) risk in deep‑chested dogs and ensure they know after-hours emergency options. For lightly pigmented noses/eyelids, note sun exposure concerns and route skin changes (crusting/ulceration) to the veterinarian for review.
Front desk script: Because Collies can react to certain medications, has your dog had the MDR1 drug‑sensitivity test? If not, we can add a quick DNA test and flag the chart before any new meds or sedation. Collies also benefit from early eye screening and bloat awareness. If you ever see a tight, swollen belly with unproductive retching or sudden collapse, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately and call us on the way.
Typical Collie temperament is gentle, people‑oriented, and sensitive; use a calm voice, slow approach, owner nearby, and minimal restraint/repositioning. Seat away from busy/noisy areas when possible, and be ready for vocalizing from stress rather than aggression. What matters most: confirm MDR1/ABCB1 status or any prior adverse reactions to meds (e.g., loperamide/Imodium, high‑dose ivermectin/macrocyclic lactones, certain sedatives/chemo); note any recent over‑the‑counter or livestock product exposures; and capture anesthesia/sedation history. Flag known breed eye risks (Collie Eye Anomaly): ask about breeder/ophthalmologist screenings or vision concerns. Escalate immediately—alert the medical team now—if the owner reports recent medication exposure with wobbliness, tremors, disorientation, seizures, collapsed mentation, or sudden blindness; treat this as an emergency.
Front desk script: Hi! Collies often do best with a quiet greeting and slow, low‑stress handling; we’ll keep things calm and let you stay close. Has your Collie been DNA‑tested for the MDR1/ABCB1 gene, or ever reacted to medicines like Imodium (loperamide), high‑dose dewormers, or sedatives/anesthesia? Any eye screening for Collie Eye Anomaly or vision issues we should note? If you’ve seen wobbliness, tremors, severe lethargy, or sudden vision loss after any medication, please tell me now so I can alert the doctor immediately.
Collies often carry the MDR1/ABCB1 variant, so shelters and adopters should flag the record for possible drug sensitivity: do not give over‑the‑counter meds (especially loperamide/Imodium) and avoid extra‑label/large‑animal ivermectin; use only veterinarian‑prescribed preventives and ask if MDR1 testing is on file. Collie Eye Anomaly is congenital and variable in severity—ask if an ophthalmology screening (ideally early in life) has been done to document baseline vision for placement. If a Collie develops neurologic signs after medication (e.g., tremors, ataxia, disorientation) or shows unproductive retching with a tight, bloated abdomen, drooling, or collapse, instruct the owner to proceed to an emergency clinic immediately and alert the medical team. ([vet.cornell.edu](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/drug-sensitivity-mdr1)) ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/eye-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-retina-choroid-and-optic-disk-ocular-fundus-in-dogs?utm_source=openai)) ([acvs.org](https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/gdv/))
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you’ve adopted a Collie—some Collies have a gene (MDR1) that makes them sensitive to certain medications, so please avoid giving any over‑the‑counter drugs and bring any meds to us to review. We’ll add an MDR1 alert to the chart and can help with genetic testing if status is unknown. Has the dog had a veterinary ophthalmologist exam for Collie Eye Anomaly? If you ever see unproductive retching with a tight belly or sudden neurologic signs after any medication, go to the emergency clinic now and call us en route.
Collies are typically gentle, people‑oriented, and eager to please; when aroused their herding instinct can appear as circling, chasing, or ankle‑nipping, and many are noise/crowd‑sensitive and vocal if separated. At check‑in, ask about triggers (other dogs, fast movement, separation) and favorite rewards, keep on a short leash, and seat in a quiet area or move directly to an exam room to minimize lobby exposure. Use calm voices, slow sideways approaches, and food rewards; avoid sudden reach‑overs or rushing, and document triggers and response for the clinical handoff. Escalate immediately if barking/revving persists, the dog attempts to herd/chase in the lobby, or you see a hard‑stare with growl/lunge that doesn’t settle with space and treats; if control is unsafe or the dog shows severe distress (panicked bolting, difficulty breathing), clear a path and alert medical staff to treat as an emergency.
Front desk script: “Collies can be sensitive to busy spaces. Do crowds, other dogs, or brief separation make [Pet Name] nervous—and what treats work best?” “We can check you in and move you to a quiet room right away.” “If she starts to bark, circle, or look tense, please tell us so we can bring you straight back and brief the care team.”
Red flags for Collies that require immediate escalation: suspected bloat/GDV (sudden restlessness, non-productive retching, tight/bloated abdomen) — this is an emergency; any exposure to loperamide/Imodium or high-dose ivermectin (e.g., livestock/horse paste) with new neurological signs (wobbliness, tremors, seizures, stupor) — this is an emergency; signs of heatstroke (collapse, severe/persistent panting, excessive drooling, vomiting/diarrhea, weakness) — this is an emergency; severe breathing difficulty, pale/blue gums, collapse, or uncontrolled bleeding — route to an emergency hospital now; persistent but non-critical concerns without these red flags should be booked for same-day clinician review. ([vcahospitals.com](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bloat-gastric-dilatation-and-volvulus-in-dogs?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Because Collies are prone to bloat and certain medication reactions, what you’ve described meets our emergency criteria. Please proceed to the nearest veterinary ER now; we will call ahead to alert the team. If none of the emergency signs are present but you’re still concerned, we will schedule a same-day appointment with a clinician. Please tell us about any recent medications or possible exposures when you arrive.