A CHAMPION agility dog from the dale has had his sporting career saved thanks to specialist medical intervention.
Jive, a six-year-old border collie from Eggleston, has been invited to Team GB trials, competed at Crufts and reached the quarter-finals at Olympia, but his future turned dark in 2020 when he developed an eye condition that could have left him blind.
Owner Diane Graves said it was during training on a tunnel entry that she noticed a problem. “He is normally brilliant at this, but he just couldn’t see it. I looked into his eyes and I could see his left eye was bloodshot and seemed to have a mark on the lens.
“I took him to the vet and we were referred to specialists in Penrith.”
The dog was seen by Richard McCallum, from Veterinary Vision, who diagnosed Jive with chronic superficial keratitis, commonly known as pannus.
Ms Graves, who owns and operates pet service business Woof Steps, said: “It an auto-immune disease that causes the eye to attack itself.
“Richard said there was between 25 and 50 per cent loss of vision in the left eye.”
The specialist prescribed eye-drop medication and special dog goggles for days when there are high levels of UV.
Of the condition Mr McCallum said: “It would have dramatically reduced Jive’s quality of life – negatively impacting his ability to navigate in everyday life and would have prevented him from taking part in dog agility, which he clearly loves and at which he excels.
“We prescribed medication in a bid to control the inflammation and clear the corneal pigmentation and scarring.”
Ms Graves added: “He will have medication daily for the rest of his life and wear goggles for most of the summer, but knowing he could otherwise have gone blind, it is a small price to pay.”
Jive’s ability for the sport became evident early on and from 18 months, in his first full season, he rose from grade three to the highest grade seven. For the past two years Jive has achieved the top score of all grade seven dogs taking part in The Agility Club league.
For more information about Ms Graves’ business visit woofsteps.co.uk.
