Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease, X-Linked (X-SCID) - Basset Hound

X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency is an inherited immune disease in the Basset Hound dog breed defined by failure in humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Affected dogs cannot develop antibodies, crucial for necessary immune function once the maternal immune support is withdrawn. This leads to recurring and chronic bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of ears, skin and intestines. The condition is characterised by failure to thrive or fallen puppy syndrome, lack of palpable peripheral lymph nodes, small thymic size and absence of T-lymphocyte mitogenic response. Affected individuals often show signs of intermittent vomiting, diarrhoea, retarded growth, lethargy and respiratory infections. Symptoms appear at 6 to 8 weeks and the disease is usually lethal by 4 months of age. This condition is an X-linked recessive trait, meaning only male puppies are susceptible to it, however female dogs are carriers and can pass this genetic mutation to their offspring. Males that are clear of this disease can be bred.

Inheritance: X-linked recessive

Mutation: IL2RG 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.