Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is an inherited condition that is due to abnormal white blood cells or leukocytes that impair the ability of a dog’s immune system to respond to infection. Dogs will typically develop symptoms at less than 12 weeks of age and can include umbilical infection, fever, poor growth and insufficient wound healing. Additional symptoms can include infection of the gums with salivation and abnormal skin infections. Pathology testing will typically show a high white blood cell count because cells are still produced but are unable to move into tissue to fight infection. Infections will respond to antibiotics but can reoccur once treatment is stopped so puppies will typically die by 6 months of age.

• Irish Setter

A (CLEAR/NORMAL): These dogs have two copies of the normal gene and will neither develop canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency nor pass this mutation to their offspring.

B (CARRIER/NOT AFFECTED): These dogs have one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutation associated with this disease. They will not develop canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency but will, if bred, pass the mutation to 50% of its offspring, on average.

C (AT RISK/AFFECTED): These dogs have two copies of the mutation associated with this disease and will likely develop canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.