Autosomal Recessive Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (Russell Terrier)

Body function:

Immune & Autoimmune

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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.

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List of affected breeds:

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

Jack Russell Terrier

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 known cure for ARSCID. Dogs with symptoms of ARSCID should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment includes management of resulting infections. They should not be vaccinated with modified-live vaccines.

Symptoms

Dogs with Autosomal Recessive Severe Combined Immunodeficiency begin to show symptoms around 3 months of age. Dogs with ARSCID suffer from chronic illness and infection. They may also experience symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting, and generally poor growth and failure to thrive. Dogs with ARSCID typically die within 4 months of age.

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