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Selective IgA Deficiency in Animals

Selective IgA Deficiency is an immune system disorder which occurs due to a lack of IgA immunoproteins that defend the body against infections. The IgA dificiency results in chronic alimentary, skin and respiratory infections. The disorder affects Beagles, German Shepherd dogs, Shar-Pei, Irish Setters and some other breeds.

Selective IgA deficiency is the lack of production of antibodies, also called immunoglobulin protective proteins, which are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances. These foreign substances, called antigens, can be bacteria and toxic materials. Antibodies recognize and attack antigens by binding to them in order to remove them from the body.

Immunoglobulin A protein (IgA) is found on the skin, the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tracts, and in tears. When the immune system fails to produce sufficient amount of IgA, or does not produce it at all, animals have chronic, recurrent respiratory infections, digestive system disorders, dermatitis, and allergies.

For example, the IgA deficiency in German Shepherd dogs has been associated with several severe infectious diseases: aspergillosis (infection caused by molds), with an almost 100% death rate; otits externa (ear infection with pus discharging abscesses), and skin infections including folliculitis (infection of hair follicles caused by staphylococcus bacteria).

These infections are generally unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Affected dogs are usually smaller than their litter mates. The disease can manifest in young puppies as scratching, sneezing, nasal discharge, chronic diarrhea, and frequent urination.

The IgA deficiency is usually diagnosed through blood test which may show reduced or absent IgA.

References:
1. US National Labrary of Medicine

Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.