Immunoglobulin Deficiency in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Abstract

Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and IgA were measured in 9 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis sp that were examined at 4 veterinary surgeries in the United Kingdom (UK) between September 2001 and November 2002. Pneumocystis pneumonia was confirmed in all dogs by visualization of the organism in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or a transthoracic lung aspirate. Two dogs had a history of demodicosis. Immunoglobulin concentrations also were measured in breed-and age-matched dogs sampled over the same period. IgG concentrations were significantly (P = .000) lower in the affected dogs (median 3.2 mg/mL) than in the control dogs (median 8.5 mg/mL). IgM concentrations were significantly (P = .002) higher in the affected dogs (median 1.95 mg/mL) than in the control dogs (median 1.12 mg/mL). One affected dog had no change in IgG concentration more than 3 months after resolution of infection or vaccination, but did have reduction in IgM concentration after resolution of infection and vaccination. Control dogs had low serum IgG and IgM concentrations, compared with the reference interval for all dogs. Lymphocyte count in blood was normal or high in 7 of 8 affected dogs. The results of this study suggest that there is a defect in immunity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that underlies the susceptibility of these dogs to pneumocystosis. Further studies are indicated to elucidate the mechanisms behind the defect, the prevalence within the breed, and the potential mode of inheritance of the problem.

Increased prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infections in Bernese Mountain Dogs: a possible breed predisposition

“…However no infections have been described so far. In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels a breed that was known to be prone to Pneumocystis pneumonia infections, it was found that there was a immunoglobulin deficiency in the affected dogs indicating defect in immunity in these dogs [12]. The findings in the present study are unique as infections with B. burgdorferi are not causing disease.…”

Hypogammaglobulinemia in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs

“…The most striking finding of the current study was the observation of hypogammaglobulinemia in trained and racing sled dogs. Mean [IgG] before and soon after racing was approximately 8 mg/mL, below commonly reported reference values for healthy dogs 23,24 . In contrast, rested sled dogs had a mean [IgG] of 18 mg/mL, comparable to values reported for healthy dogs of other breeds 24,25 .…”

Spatial, demographic and clinical patterns of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in the dog population of Southern England

“…Jack Russell Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were overrepresented among cases. An apparent overrepresentation of Cavalier King Charles spaniels in cases of canine Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia has been proposed to have an immunological basis (Hagiwara and others 2001, Watson and others 2006), and it is interesting that both diseases locate in the pulmonary tissues. A. vasorum infection may also manifest more readily in breeds prone to brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, since the two disorders share certain clinical signs including dyspnoea, exercise intolerance and syncope.…”