Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID) - Russell Terrier

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID) is a serious autosomal recessive disease affecting the immunity of organism. Affected dogs are unable to produce normal levels of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes, as the consequence of arrested B and T lymphocyte development. Thus they are extremely susceptible to severe recurrent or chronic bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Clinical signs of affected dogs include immunodeficiency, lymphopenia and lymphoid hypoplasia, retarded grown, diarrhoea, lethargy, skin, eye and ear infections, vomiting, inability to gain weight or weight loss. Puppies may die shortly after vaccination with modified live vaccines. Affected puppies die within 4 months of age.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: PRKDC 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.