Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Body function:

Respiratory

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Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) affects the cilia, microscopic hair-like structures lining various body parts, including the respiratory tract. In dogs with PCD, the cilia are either malformed or immobile, leading to respiratory issues. This condition primarily affects breeds like the Old English Sheepdog, but it has been found in as many as 19 breeds.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Old English Sheepdog

Two dogs are looking up at the sky with their mouths open. The dog on the left is brown and white, and the dog on the right is brown with white markings on its chest and paws. Both dogs are wearing harnesses and are standing in a grassy field with a blue sky in the background.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no cure for PCD in dogs. Veterinary care primarily aims to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections. The main objective is to keep the dog's respiratory system as clear and healthy as possible to enhance their overall quality of life.

Symptoms

Dogs with PCD often present with chronic respiratory issues that begin shortly after birth. These include persistent coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and frequent respiratory infections. These symptoms occur because the cilia in the respiratory tract cannot move effectively, allowing pathogens to remain in the lungs. Male dogs with PCD may also experience sterility due to sperm immobility, which is another function of cilia.

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