Canine Disease Information: Canine cyclic hematopoiesis



  • Type Disease
    Blood
  • Name
    Canine cyclic hematopoiesis
  • Abbreviation
    CCH
  • Description
    This disorder of the immune system occurs in gray collies. Puppies are usually smaller and weaker than their littermates and by 8 to 12 weeks of age they develop clinical signs such as fever, diarrhea or joint pain, or other signs associated with eye, respiratory, or skin infections.\n\nThe disorder is caused by an abnormality of the stem cells in the bone marrow, from which all blood cells develop. The result is a cyclic fluctuation in blood cell numbers, primarily neutrophils, which are very important in fighting infections. Every 10 to 12 days, the number of neutrophils drops dramatically, and then rebounds. There is increased susceptibility to infection corresponding to the dip in neutrophil numbers. As well, the normal activity of the neutrophils is impaired. These dogs are also prone to bleeding episodes due to the drop in platelet numbers.
  • How Transferred
    The mode of inheritance is autosomal recessive. Both parents must carry the abnormal gene for the offspring to be affected.
  • What to Look for
    This is a very serious disorder. These dogs are subject to severe recurring bacterial infections, primarily of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. Even with the best of care, affected dogs rarely live beyond 2 or 3 years of age.
  • Diagnosis
    Affected dogs have a light silver gray, possibly mixed with light beige, hair coat and a characteristic light coloured nose. Pups usually experience clinical illness by 8 to 12 weeks of age and are brought to the veterinarian at that time, if the breeder does not recognize the defect before then.\n\nThe disorder is diagnosed based on the cyclic fluctuation in blood cell numbers, as well as the characteristic coat coloration.
  • Treatment
    The only practical treatment is supportive care and antibiotics during neutropenic episodes. Without supportive care, pups usually die before 6 months of age. Even with the best of care, including very close monitoring and antibiotics to counteract the variety of infections, these dogs usually die before 2 or 3 years of age.\nBone marrow transplant and gene therapy have been attempted on an experimental basis.\nFOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS DISORDER, PLEASE SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN.
  • Breeding Considerations
    As a rule, parents and littermates of affected dogs should not be used for breeding, to avoid perpetuating this lethal defect.
  • Known Breeds Affected
    Collie

Type Disease

Known Breeds Affected

Type Disease

Known Breeds Affected