Autosomal Recessive Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (Russell Terrier)

Autosomal Recessive Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ARSCID) is a disease that leads to early mortality amongst a number of different dog breeds. In Parson Russell Terriers, ARSCID is caused by a mutation of the PRKDC gene, which prevents the production of a protein that is vital to immune function. As a result, the immune system cannot properly produce white blood cells or fight infection, resulting in chronic illness and early death. Both parents must be carriers of the ARSCID mutation for a puppy to be affected.