Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I

Category: Immune System
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 7

Overview

An inherited defect can stop infection-fighting white blood cells from leaving the bloodstream and reaching affected tissues. Type I leukocyte adhesion deficiency disrupts a protein called CD18, which these cells need to attach properly. Affected puppies can develop repeated bacterial infections, inflamed gums and wounds that heal poorly. The disease can be severe early in life, even though blood tests show many white blood cells.

Signs to watch for

Repeated skin infections or sores
Red, inflamed gums
Wounds that heal slowly
Poor weight gain in a puppy
Limping or painful movement

Signs often begin in puppyhood; a clinical series involved dogs younger than 15 weeks.

When to get help Contact a vet promptly for repeated infections, poor growth or wounds that heal slowly.

Diagnosis and tests

Repeated infections in a young dog can lead a vet to suspect an immune-system problem. Blood tests may show very high white blood cell counts. Specialized tests can check the cells' attachment proteins. A DNA test for the known Type I variant helps confirm the diagnosis and identify healthy carriers in Irish Setters and Irish Red and White Setters.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Large

Irish SetterLarge · Sporting Group
Irish Red And White SetterLarge · Sporting Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.