Canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
- CLAD is a disease of the immune system where the dog’s white blood cells have incorrectly formed proteins on their surface, meaning the blood cells are unable to stick together to fight infections. This disorder is present from birth, meaning puppies’ bodies are unable to manage infections and will suffer from recurring infections even when treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, affected puppies are usually short-lived.
- Affected Breeds: Irish Red Setter, Irish Red and White Setter.
Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disorder (SPAID)
- This condition relates to the spectrum of signs triggered by systemic and persistent inflammation in Shar Peis. All the autoinflammatory signs in SPAID are related to elevated levels of hyaluronan. Hyaluronan is a molecule which acts as a trigger signal for the inflammatory response. Affected dogs that are given IL-1 inhibitors will feel relief from the disease, which indicates the disorder is a cytokine-driven inflammation and a lack of regulation of the innate immune response. SPAID is also shown to present LMW-HA (low molecular weight hyaluronan), which is related to breeding for the wrinkled skin in this breed. There are two tests for SPAID, one for the CNV variant and the other for the MTBP Variant.
- Affected Breeds: Shar Pei
Trapped neutrophil syndrome (TNS)
- TNS results in where the bone marrow is unable to effectively release neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) into the bloodstream. Affected puppies will have an impaired immune system and will die from being unable to fight infection. It’s a disease that quite often goes undiagnosed for several reasons. As it’s an autoimmune deficiency, symptoms can range widely depending on the type of infection the puppy picks up, hence many cases being undiagnosed. Most puppies become ill before leaving the breeder, but some may not have signs til later. But many puppies are put to sleep by 4 months of age.
- Affected Breeds: Australian Cobberdog, Border Collie, Australian Koolie, Australian Labradoodle
Lethal Acrodermatitis (LAD)
- LAD affects the skin; puppies develop skin lesions and have poor growth (failure to thrive). The lesions develop as redness on the skin and strongly suck scales (dry skin), predominantly on their feet, elbows, hocks and muzzle. Callous or rough patches will also occur on the foot pads. Dogs affected by LAD are also immunodeficient, so they will suffer from skin infections such as Malassezia or Candida. Unfortunately, affected puppies are usually put to sleep as the condition is severe, reduces their lifespan and is very painful.
- Affected Breeds: Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
- SCID is an immunodeficiency where the dog cannot produce working B-lymphocytes (the cells responsible for producing antibodies and memory of infections) or T-lymphocytes (which destroy infected cells and direct immune cells). This leaves the dog with a lack of immune system, making them susceptible to infection. Signs usually present by 7-8 weeks of age and symptoms include failure to thrive, lethargy, poor growth, weight loss, seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, lack of muscle control, loss of sight and Lymph nodes that can’t be felt. This disease means these dogs are very short-lived and usually pass away by 4 months old.
- Affected Breeds: Jack Russel Terrier, Parson Russel Terrier, Russel Terrier, Wetterhoun
Mycobacterium Avian Complex (MAC)
- MAC is a defective condition of the immune system which can lead to an infection that affects the whole of the dog’s body. It’s considered a serious and lethal disease. As a zoonotic disease, it can be transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. Signs present at lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss, weakness, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis and nasal discharge. The disease goes on to affect the lymph node, spleen and liver.
- Affected Breeds: Miniature Schnauzer
