Disease overview

Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are an essential part of the immune system when fighting infections and injury. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency, Type I, is a rare disorder that causes a failed response of white blood cells, which leads to higher susceptibility of infections.

Gene name

ITGB2

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs will show signs of increased infection risk. They may present with recurrent skin infections, lameness, or swollen, bleeding gums. They may have swollen lymph nodes. Puppies may present with clinical signs as early as 12 weeks of age, which may include fever, anorexia, and failure to thrive.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Laboratory tests and/or a neurological exam may be conducted. Laboratory testing can assess the leukocyte counts. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Kijas JM, Bauer TR Jr, Gäfvert S, Marklund S, Trowald-Wigh G, Johannisson A, Hedhammar A, Binns M, Juneja RK, Hickstein DD, Andersson L. A missense mutation in the beta-2 integrin gene (ITGB2) causes canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency. Genomics. 1999 Oct 1;61(1):101-7. doi: 10.1006/geno.1999.5948. PMID: 10512685.

Zimmerman KL, McMillan K, Monroe WE, Sponenberg DP, Evans N, Makris M, Hammond SH, Kanevsky Mullarky I, Boudreaux MK. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I in a mixed-breed dog. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2013 Mar;25(2):291-6. doi: 10.1177/1040638713478814. Epub 2013 Feb 15. PMID: 23417082.

Pfeiffer I, Brenig B. Frequency of the canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) mutation among Irish red setters in Germany. J Anim Breed Genet. 2005 Apr;122(2):140-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2005.00500.x. PMID: 16130481.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.