Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) - Australian shepherd

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is thought to be an autosomal recessive disorder of respiratory tract. It is characterized by impaired movement of cilia and subsequent health problems in diverse organ systems, notably in the respiratory tract due to impaired clearance of mucus, bacteria or foreign bodies on respiratory epithelia. The symptoms of the affected dogs occur at around 8 weeks of age and include recurrent airway infections, rhinitis and nasal discharge with diverse bacterial origins. It can mostly be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics/corticosteroids and inhalation therapy, however affected dogs eventually develop multiple relapse episodes of infectious rhinitis with diverse bacterial origins.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: STK36 gene

Genetic test: The method used for genetic testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. DNA testing can be done at any age.