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Immunoglobulin levels in Bull terriers suffering from lethal acrodermatitis
N A McEwan1, H P Huang, D J Mellor
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK. n.mcewan@vet.gla.ac.uk
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|November 1, 2003
Summary
Dogs with lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) have normal IgG and IgM but significantly lower immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels. This may explain their frequent microbial infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) is a severe condition in dogs.
- Recurrent microbial infections are common in dogs with LAD.
- Immunoglobulin deficiencies can predispose animals to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify plasma immunoglobulin levels in dogs with LAD.
- To investigate a potential link between low IgA and LAD susceptibility.
- To compare immunoglobulin profiles of LAD dogs with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized.
- Plasma samples from eight dogs with LAD and ten healthy Bull terriers were analyzed.
- Levels of IgG, IgM, and IgA were measured.
Main Results:
- Dogs with LAD exhibited normal IgG and IgM levels.
- Significantly lower IgA levels were observed in LAD dogs compared to controls.
- No significant difference in IgG or IgM was found between groups.
Conclusions:
- LAD dogs have demonstrably lower IgA levels.
- Reduced IgA may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infections seen in LAD.
- Further research into immunomodulatory therapies for LAD is warranted.