Description

Cyclic Neutropenia is a recessive stem cell disorder that affects both smooth and rough collies. Also known as Cyclic Hematopoesis or "Gray Collie Syndrome," dogs affected by cyclic neutropenia appear visibly lighter than non-affected littermates, even from puppies with the merle coloration. Because this disorder is recessive, a dog can be a carrier without exhibiting any outward symptoms, and can still pass on a copy of the mutation to any offspring.

Cyclic Neutropenia is a disease that affects the neutrophils of a dog, which are an integral part of the dog's immune system. Every 10-12 days, the dog will experience a dramatic drop in the number of neutrophils circulating through his blood stream, leaving him extremely susceptible to infections. The dog will often experience diarrhea, fever, joint pain, or other symptoms associated with eye, respiratory, or skin infections. Bleeding episodes can also occur. Unfortunately, most affected dogs will die as puppies, and even with the best care, the dog will not likely live past 2-3 years of age.

Gray Collie Syndrome is an autosomal recessive mutation, meaning that a dog must have two copies of the mutation in order to display the signs and symptoms associated with this disorder. This also means that a parent can be a carrier of this disorder, but not show any signs. A dog that carries the mutation can either pass on the normal or mutant allele to any offspring. Therefore, if two parents that are carriers then produce a litter of pups, there is a 25% chance of that each parent will pass on the mutation, and having a pup that is affected by Gray Collie Syndrome.

Cyclic Neutropenia Testing

Animal Genetics is currently testing for the mutation responsible for Gray Collie Syndrome, also known as Canine Cyclic Neutropenia or Canine Cyclic Hematopoiesis.

Sample Collection

Collect sample using buccal swabs provided by Animal Genetics. Ensure that the dog has not eaten within a few hours of sample collection. Any food particles can inhibit the test. Rub each of the swabs along the inside of the dog's mouth for 10-15 seconds, and allow the swabs to dry thoroughly. Label the provided envelope with the dog's name, and place the swab inside it. Download and complete a submission form for each sample and send along with payment to Animal Genetics for testing.

Submission Form -

Results

Results are given using the following symbolic notation: