Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS)



Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

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Price: $45.00Price: £40.00

Breeds: Australian Shepherd/Border Collie, Border Collie, Border-Aussie, Bordoodle, Mixed Breed, Unspecified, Working Sheepdog

Description

Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is an autosomal recessive mutation affecting Border Collies. Autosomal recessive genetic mutations are mutations that can be passed from either parent and require two copies of the gene to show symptoms. TNS was discovered in 1996, in Australia and New Zealand. The mutation causes the dog's infection-fighting white blood cells to be "trapped" and not released from the bone marrow. Without sufficient white blood cells in the bloodstream, the dog's immune system is unable to fight off infections and the dog eventually dies, usually when they are a few months old.

An affected puppy may not show any specific symptoms, other than susceptibility to infection. They may be smaller and less healthy than unaffected puppies. Occasionally, a dog will not show symptoms until they are older, around 7 months old. There is currently no treatment for TNS. However, the infections can be treated with antibiotics or steroids to prolong the life of the dog. 

Carriers of the mutation (dogs that carry one copy of the mutation) will not show any symptoms but will pass the mutation on to a percentage of their offspring. It is estimated that about 10% of Border Collies are carriers of the mutation, so testing for TNS before breeding is advisable. If two carriers are bred to one another, there is a 25% chance per puppy that they will develop symptoms.

Possible Results

Genotype Description
TNS/TNS Affected: Dog has two copies of the Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome mutation and will be affected. The mutation will always be passed on to every offspring.
n/TNS Carrier: Dog carries one copy of the mutation associated with Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome.
n/n Clear: Dog is negative for the mutation associated with Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome.

Reference

Shearman JR, Wilton AN. A canine model of Cohen syndrome: Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome. BMC Genomics. 2011 May 23; 12:258. [PubMed: 21605373]