Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) in German Shepherd Dogs

Quick Summary

Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, Type III (CLAD-Type III) is an inherited blood disorder affecting German Shepherd Dogs. It is characterized by abnormal blood clotting and immune system functions.

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Phenotype: Affected German Shepherd Dogs have abnormal blood clotting and immune system functions and may present with lameness, recurrent skin infections, bone infections, and gingivitis. Although some dogs can live for years with this condition, most affected dogs die early.

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive

Alleles: N = Normal, CLADgs = Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (German Shepherd Dog variant)

Breeds appropriate for testing: German Shepherd Dog

Explanation of Results:

  • Dogs with N/N genotype will not have canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency and cannot transmit this variant to their offspring.
  • Dogs with N/CLADgs genotype will not have canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, but are carriers. They will transmit this CLAD variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers are predicted to produce 25% canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency-affected puppies.
  • Dogs with CLADgs/CLADgs genotype will have canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, a potentially fatal condition.

Results of this test can be submitted to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

Turnaround Time
At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 business days if sample requires additional testing, or a new sample is requested.
Price

$55 single test per animal ($5 discount on 3 or more dogs)
$25 as additional health test on same animal

Additional Details

Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) is an inherited blood disorder affecting Irish Setters and German Shepherd Dogs. The disease results from breed-specific mutations in genes that are integral to platelet and blood cell activity. Affected dogs have abnormal blood clotting and immune system functions. Affected German Shepherd Dogs and Irish Setters may present with lameness, recurrent skin infections including pyoderma (pus filled skin infections), furunculosis (boils) and ulceration, osteomyelitis (bone infections) and gingivitis. Although some dogs can live for years with this condition, most affected dogs die early from severe infection or bleeding from an accidental injury, or during a surgical procedure. Veterinarians should be informed of affected dogs prior to any surgical procedures.

CLAD-Type III (reported as CLADgs) in German Shepherd Dogs results from a 12bp insertion (c.1358_1359insAAGACGGCTGCC) in fermitin family member 3 gene (FERMT3). The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, which means that males and females are equally affected and that two copies of the defective gene are needed to cause CLAD. Dogs with one normal and one affected gene (carriers) are normal and show no signs of disease.

Testing for CLAD assists clinicians with diagnosis of CLAD and helps breeders identify carriers among breeding stock to avoid producing affected dogs. Matings between carriers are expected to produce 25% of affected puppies.

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