Disease Description: A deficiency in serum levels of the third component of complement which impairs neutrophil function and causes recurrent infections. Seen in Brittany spaniels.

Inherit Mode: This is an autosomal recessive trait. Dogs that are homozygous for the trait have no detectable C3, while heterozygous dogs have serum C3 concentrations approximately 30 to 50% of normal. Only homozygous dogs are clinically affected, but heterozygotes (carriers) can pass on the trait to their offspring.

Disease Symptom: From a young age, affected dogs are more likely to be infected by bacterial infections, including serious and widespread ones (septicemia). They may also develop kidney disease.

Disease Cause: -

Disease Diagnose: This disorder is rare. Your veterinarian may begin to suspect an immune deficiency when your pup has recurring bacterial infections. The diagnosis of complement deficiency is made based on a blood test showing little detectable C3.

Treat Method: Antibiotics are used as needed to treat the infections. There is no treatment for the condition itself.

Breeder Advice: Affected animals and their parents should not be bred. Any family members to be used for breeding should have blood tests to determine that they have normal serum C3 levels (in other words, that they are not carriers of the trait, in which case they should not be used for breeding).

Disease Description Source: Link