Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (Discovered in the Alaskan Malamute)

Abnormal ciliary function leads to recurrent and chronic infections of the respiratory tract. Respiratory infections are first seen in young puppies a few days after birth and involve bilateral mucoid to mucopurulent nasal discharge and chronic productive cough. Respiratory infections can progress to bronchopneumonia and bronchiecstasis. Fertility problems may also be encountered and hydrocephalus has been reported as a possible clinical sign in this form of the disease. Recurrent ear infections have been reported for similar forms of this disease in humans and could be a feature, although not yet reported in the Alaskan Malamute.

Therapy is limited to symptomatic treatments for resulting infections and general supportive care.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the PCD mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the PCD mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the PCD mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the PCD mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.