Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, SCID

Affected dogs are extremely susceptible to infections: bacterial, viral and parasitic. Affected puppies are often lethargic with poor growth.

Most SCID dogs are identified as puppies soon after weaning or when initially vaccinated with modified live products.

Genetic and laboratory testing along with clinical signs are used to diagnose this disease.

Identifying the type of infection and giving appropriate medication is the only treatment currently available. Dogs with this condition often have a markedly shortened lifespan.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s SCID result so you can work together to plan their ongoing care and monitoring.

Work closely with your vet to prevent and manage infections through regular checkups, good hygiene, and prompt care if your dog becomes ill.

Be cautious with activities that could cause injury or expose your dog to sources of infection, such as crowded dog parks or boarding facilities.

This mutation was first described in the Russell Terrier.

Penetrance: This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must have two copies of the mutation to be affected.

Gene

PRKDC

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Immunologic

Citations

1. Ding et al 2002

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Parson Russell Terrier
• Russell Terrier
• Russell-type Terrier