Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Dogs

Category: Airway & Lung
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 5

Overview

Tiny moving hairs called cilia normally help clear mucus and germs from the airways. In primary ciliary dyskinesia, an inherited fault in their structure or movement interferes with this cleaning system. Affected dogs can develop repeated nose and lung infections from an early age. Some also have fertility problems or internal organs arranged on the opposite side of the body.

Signs to watch for

Persistent or recurring discharge from both nostrils
A wet-sounding cough
Episodes of difficult or rapid breathing
Reduced appetite during flare-ups

In reported cases, signs began within days of birth.

When to get help Book a veterinary visit for recurring nasal discharge and a wet cough.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets investigate repeated respiratory infections with chest imaging and, when needed, airway samples. Specialist examination of a small tissue sample with an electron microscope can reveal defects in the cilia. DNA testing can identify known breed-specific forms, including the CCDC39 form in Old English Sheepdogs and the NME5 form in Alaskan Malamutes.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

2 Large

Alaskan MalamuteLarge · Working Group
Old English SheepdogLarge · Herding Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
Old English Sheepdog
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal recessive
Alaskan Malamute
As stated by OMIA

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.