Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency in Irish Setter Breeds

Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is a serious hereditary condition affecting primarily Irish Setter puppies and the Irish Red and White Setter. This genetic disorder stems from a mutation that impairs white blood cells' ability to adhere and fight infections, rendering affected puppies vulnerable to frequent and often fatal infections.

The condition is caused by a gene mutation in the beta-2 integrin subunit gene, crucial for immune function. As a result, dogs with CLAD cannot effectively combat viruses and bacteria, leading to health complications early in life.

Understanding CLAD and Its Impact on Setters

Puppies affected by CLAD suffer from immune suppression, causing recurrent, severe infections and poor healing. Unfortunately, most affected pups do not survive beyond a few weeks or months. Common early signs include infections around the umbilical area shortly after birth, chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, and delayed recovery from minor injuries.

While affected dogs rarely survive to adulthood or breeding age, carriers show no symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring, creating risks if two carriers are bred.

Which Dogs Are at Risk and How Is it Inherited?

CLAD mainly affects the Irish Setter and Irish Red and White Setter breeds, with carrier rates estimated at around 10% in the population. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means a puppy must inherit the faulty gene from both parents to be affected, while carriers (one copy of the mutation) remain healthy but can pass the defect on.

• Clear parents: Both dogs free of the mutation produce unaffected puppies.
• Carrier and clear pairing: Puppies have a 50% chance of being clear and 50% chance of being carriers.
• Two carriers: Puppies have a 25% chance of being affected with CLAD, which is fatal.

Testing and Responsible Breeding

Because carriers show no symptoms, DNA testing is vital before breeding. The Kennel Club in the UK supports a testing scheme to identify carriers and affected dogs, helping breeders make informed decisions to avoid producing affected litters.

The process involves a simple DNA sample – commonly taken as a blood sample by your vet – sent to approved laboratories for analysis. Testing helps ensure the health and longevity of future generations of setters and promotes responsible breeding practices.

Current Management and Future Prospects

Currently, there is no cure for CLAD. Management focuses on preventing and aggressively treating infections in affected dogs, which usually does not lead to a long lifespan. Research into gene therapy shows promise, but it remains experimental.

Because of the severity of CLAD, avoiding breeding two carrier dogs together is the best prevention method. Breeders are encouraged to participate in health testing programmes to reduce the incidence of this fatal disease.

Conclusion

Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency is a fatal inherited immune disorder overwhelmingly found in Irish Setter breeds. Through genetic testing and responsible breeding, the spread and impact of CLAD can be minimised, safeguarding the health and vitality of these graceful dogs. If you own or plan to breed Irish Setters, consider DNA testing and consult reputable breeders to help protect the breed.

For more information on finding puppies or reputable breeders of Irish Setters, visit The Kennel Club or trusted platforms for finding Irish Setter puppies. Ensuring the genetic health of your dogs contributes to a happier, healthier canine companion.