Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, SCID

Immune

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.

  • 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.

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  • Diagnosis

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Genetic Information

    This mutation was first described in the Russell Terrier.

    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:

    PRKDC ‐ chr29

    Inheritance type:

    recessive

  • Breeds affected

    This health condition affects the following breeds

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