Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, SCID
SCID dogs cannot produce functional B-lymphocytes, the cells responsible for producing antibodies and long-term "memory" of infection, as well as T-lymphocytes, which can act to destroy infected cells as well as direct other immune cells to do their job. In the absence of a functional immune system, they are extremely susceptible to infections.
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Signs and symptoms
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. -
Diagnosis
Genetic and laboratory testing along with clinical signs are used to diagnose this disease.
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Treatment
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.
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- Minimizing the risk of infection is the best way to keep your affected dog healthy for as long as possible.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first described in Frisian Water Dogs.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must have two copies of the mutation to be affected.
Gene names:
RAG1 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
recessive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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