Cyclic Neutropenia

Body function:

Immune & Autoimmune

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Cyclic Neutropenia (CN) (Gray Collie Syndrome) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting smooth and rough Collies. This genetic condition results in periodic drops in neutrophil (a type of white blood cell) levels, leaving affected dogs highly susceptible to infections. Puppies with CN are visibly lighter in color. Unfortunately, most dogs with CN don't live past 2-3 years of age due to their weakened immune systems.

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List of affected breeds:

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

Collie

A brown dog with floppy ears is looking up at the camera with its mouth open and tongue out. The dog is standing in a field of tall grass.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no cure for this condition. However, maintaining a clean environment, providing a balanced diet, and using antibiotics can help reduce the risk of infections. Providing supportive care and ensuring the dog's comfort can help manage the condition, though the prognosis remains poor.

Symptoms

Dogs with CN experience a dramatic drop in neutrophil levels every 10-12 days, making them vulnerable to infections. Symptoms include recurrent diarrhea, fever, joint pain, eye infections, respiratory infections, and skin infections. Bleeding can also occur. Affected puppies often die within the first few weeks after birth. Those who survive suffer from recurrent bacterial infections, stunted growth, and a shortened lifespan. They may also have a lighter coat color, eye lesions, and noticeable discomfort.

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