Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, PCD (Uncoordinated Ciliary Function of the Respiratory Tract Mucosa) in Dogs

  • Occurrence: very rare
  • Location of illness: Chest
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Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disorder in dogs characterized by impaired function of the cilia – tiny, hair-like structures on the cells of the respiratory tract. This malfunction leads to inadequate cleaning of the respiratory tract and can lead to recurrent respiratory infections and other health problems.

The most important facts at a glance

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) in dogs is a genetic disorder that affects the motility of the cilia, small hair structures in the respiratory tract. These cilia are important for transporting mucus and particles out of the respiratory tract. In dogs with PCD, the cilia are either uncoordinated or not motile at all, resulting in inadequate cleaning of the respiratory tract. The disease is caused by genetic mutations and is inherited autosomal recessively, meaning that a dog must inherit the defective gene from both parents to be affected. PCD is more common in certain breeds such as the English Springer Spaniel and the Newfoundland, but can occur in any breed.

Common symptoms include Husten, nasal discharge, and Atembeschwerden. Diagnosis is often challenging because the symptoms can also occur in other respiratory diseases. Special tests such as ciliary biopsies or nasal swabs are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. These include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and respiratory therapies. The prognosis varies, and lifelong treatment is often required. To prevent PCD, breeders should consider genetic testing to identify carriers of the defective gene and minimize the continuation of the disease.

Causes

The cilia are microscopic, motile hair structures that line the surface of the respiratory tract. Their main task is to transport mucus and trapped particles out of the respiratory tract to keep the lungs clean and free from infection. In dogs with PCD, however, these structures are either not motile or beat uncoordinated, resulting in inadequate cleaning of the respiratory tract.

Genetic mutations are the main cause of PCD. These mutations affect proteins that are essential for the structure and function of the cilia. The inheritance of PCD is mostly autosomal recessive, which means that a dog must inherit the defective gene from both parents to develop the disease.

Studies have shown that PCD is more common in certain dog breeds, suggesting genetic predispositions. Affected breeds include the English Springer Spaniel, Bobtail and Newfoundland, among others. However, the disease can occur in any dog, regardless of breed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PCD are often recognizable at a young age and mainly affect the respiratory system. The most common symptoms include Chronischer Husten, nasal discharge, and recurrent respiratory infections. These symptoms result from the inability of the cilia to transport mucus efficiently, leading to an accumulation of mucus and bacteria.

Dogs with PCD may also suffer from sinusitis and otitis media. In severe cases, the disease can lead to Pneumonia or bronchiectasis, a chronic dilation of the bronchi due to repeated infections and Entzündungen.

Another common symptom in male dogs is Unfruchtbarkeit, as cilia are also found in the seminiferous tubules and play a role in sperm movement. In affected dogs, the sperm are often immobile, which impairs reproduction.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of PCD can be challenging because the symptoms are non-specific and can also occur in other respiratory diseases. A thorough history and clinical examination are the first step in the diagnosis. The veterinarian will ask about the medical history and the symptoms present and perform a physical examination.

To confirm the diagnosis, specialized tests may be required. A ciliary biopsy or nasal swabs can be performed to examine the structure and function of the cilia under the microscope. The search is on for characteristic anomalies that indicate PCD.

Other diagnostic procedures may include X-rays or CT scans of the chest to assess the condition of the lungs. A blood test and analysis of nasal secretions can also help rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Therapy

Since PCD is a genetic disease, there is currently no cure. Treatment therefore focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. An important part of treatment is regular cleaning of the respiratory tract to remove accumulated mucus and prevent infection.

Medications such as antibiotics may be prescribed to treat existing infections. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to reduce Entzündungen in the Atemwege. In some cases, mucolytic drugs can also be used to facilitate the removal of mucus.

Physiotherapeutic measures, such as so-called “respiratory therapy”, can also be helpful. These techniques help to mobilize mucus from the respiratory tract and facilitate breathing. In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary to support breathing.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with PCD varies depending on the severity of the disease and the response to treatment. With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, many dogs can live a relatively normal life, although they may require regular veterinary monitoring and care.

However, PCD is a chronic disease that often requires lifelong treatment. Complications such as recurrent respiratory infections and lung problems can impair quality of life and shorten life expectancy. Regular collaboration with a veterinarian is crucial to monitor the dog’s health and adjust treatment.

Prevention

Since PCD is genetic, prevention is primarily focused on breeding practices. Breeders should be careful not to use animals with known genetic defects or a family history of PCD for breeding. Genetic tests can help identify carriers of the defective gene and minimize the risk of passing it on to offspring.

It is also important that new owners of dogs from affected breeds are informed about the risk of PCD and watch out for early signs of the disease. Early detection and treatment can help improve the quality of life of affected dogs and avoid complications.

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