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Neutropenia with a probable hereditary basis in Border Collies
F J Allan1, K G Thompson, B R Jones
1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Border Collies can develop chronic neutropenia, leading to infections like osteomyelitis. This neutrophil disorder, possibly inherited, shares traits with human myelokathexis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- A specific disease affecting Border Collies is documented.
- Characterized by chronic neutropenia (low neutrophil count).
- Neutropenia likely causes recurrent bacterial infections, including osteomyelitis and gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and characterize a novel disease in Border Collies.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of neutropenia in affected dogs.
- To explore the potential genetic basis and similarities to human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case documentation and pathological examination of affected Border Collies.
- Bone marrow analysis, including myeloid cell hyperplasia and maturation assessment.
- Hematological evaluation, including neutrophil counts, red blood cell morphology, and lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- Affected dogs exhibited chronic neutropenia despite myeloid hyperplasia and a "shift to the right" in maturation.
- Evidence suggests neutrophils may be unable to exit the bone marrow.
- Common findings included osteomyelitis, gastroenteritis, fasting hypercholesterolemia, and non-regenerative anemia with nucleated red blood cells.
Conclusions:
- The Border Collie disease presents with neutropenia, likely due to a defect in neutrophil release from the bone marrow.
- An autosomal recessive inheritance pattern is suspected.
- The condition shares clinical and pathological features with human myelokathexis, suggesting a conserved biological pathway.