Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome, TNS

The severity of TNS can vary, but infections can affect any of the body systems: musculoskeletal, respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and so forth. Fevers are common. They also have characteristic facial abnormalities including a narrow, elongated skull (described as "ferret-like") and are often smaller than unaffected littermates.

Some puppies are brought to the vet within weeks for recurrent infections and failure to thrive, others are only diagnosed after reactions to the first set of vaccinations (6-8 weeks), and others go undiagnosed for years after treatment for mild recurrent infections.

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

Treatment is symptomatic and based on the body system that has the infection. There is no cure for the underlying cause of this disease.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s trapped neutrophil syndrome result, as it may influence how they monitor your dog’s immune health and prepare for any surgeries or procedures.

Practice good hygiene, including regular bathing and dental care, to help reduce infection risk.

Be cautious with activities that could cause injury, like rough play at dog parks or off-leash hikes, and contact your vet promptly if your dog shows signs of illness or infection.

This mutation was first described in the Border Collie.

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

Gene

VPS13B Exon 19

Inheritance type

recessive

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Shearman and Wilton 2011

• Border Collie
• English Shepherd
• Australian Kelpie
• Koolie
• McNab