An immunodeficiency is any failure of the immune system that leaves an animal open to infections a healthy dog would shrug off. Immunodeficiencies are either inherited (primary) or acquired (secondary). The inherited forms are rare, often breed-linked and usually show up in very young puppies, typically as maternal antibody fades; the acquired forms follow viral infection, drugs, tumors or malnutrition and tend to occur in adult dogs. The NAVLE expects you to recognise the pattern of infection, match a few classic breeds to their defects and know which tests confirm them.
Key facts
Immunodeficiency (primary and secondary) at a glance- Species: dog.
- System: hemic and lymphatic (immune system).
- Two groups: primary (inherited or congenital), usually seen in very young animals, and secondary (acquired), which tends to occur in adults.
- When to suspect a primary defect: recurrent or persistent infections in a young animal, especially several littermates or related pups, infections with low-virulence organisms, or poor response to standard antimicrobials.
- Classic breed links: Irish Setter (CLAD), Basset Hound and Cardigan Welsh Corgi (X-linked SCID), Jack Russell Terrier (autosomal SCID), gray Collie (cyclic hematopoiesis), Border Collie (trapped neutrophil syndrome), German Shepherd and Shar-Pei (low IgA).
- Most important acquired causes: canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus, immunosuppressive drugs, lymphoma and myeloma.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no. Inherited forms matter for breeding programmes; DNA tests exist for several.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and breeding
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.