SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, DNA-PKcs/PRKDC)

Veterinary care required

This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.

Priority · vet & management

In a foal with recurrent severe infections, immediate veterinary work-up is needed; the diagnosis is secured by gene test and lymphocyte diagnostics. Central for breeding is the carrier test of the parent animals. SCID is not curable — veterinary support and a dignified, animal-welfare-appropriate decision are in the foreground.

Possible causes

• · autosomal-recessive mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene (PRKDC); absent mature B/T cells
• · only homozygous foals affected, carriers clinically healthy
• · occurrence in the purebred Arabian and Arabian crosses
• · infection protection only as long as colostrum antibodies last

Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication

Prevention

Gene testing of Arabian breeding animals and avoidance of carrier-x-carrier matings prevent affected foals.

Equiterna's take

Equiterna accompanies SCID factually and without a false tone of hope: the gene test of the parent animals and veterinary advice are at the centre — complementary feeds have no role whatsoever here.