Changes

==Description==

==Description==

IgA deficiency of German Shepherd dogs is a breed specific lack or reduction of immunoglobulin A caused by a heritable defect in the immune system. Dogs which are affected are unable to mount an approapriate immune response and more susceptible to infection and alleric conditions. It has been suggested that the deficiency in IgA is linked to other disease syndromes such as deep pyoderma, inflammatory bowel disease, anal furunculosis and disseminated aspergillosis. The condition is poorly understood and the links between IgA deficiency and other conditions has not been fully documented.  

IgA deficiency of German Shepherd dogs is a breed specific lack or reduction of immunoglobulin A caused by a heritable defect in the immune system. Dogs which are affected are unable to mount an appropriate immune response and more susceptible to infection and allergic conditions. It has been suggested that the deficiency in IgA is linked to other disease syndromes such as deep pyoderma, inflammatory bowel disease, anal furunculosis and disseminated aspergillosis. The condition is poorly understood and the links between IgA deficiency and other conditions has not been fully documented.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

===Clinical Signs===

===Clinical Signs===

Clinical signs depend on the level of deficiency but include a high susceptibility to infection, respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions. Lethargy, annorexia and failure to thrive are other signs of the condition.

Clinical signs depend on the level of deficiency but include a high susceptibility to infection, respiratory, gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions. Lethargy, anorexia and failure to thrive are other signs of the condition.

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

Serum protein electrophoresis can be used to identify deficiencies in immunoglobulin levels, serum immunoglobulin quantitation will identify specific deficiencies. Faecal analysis of IgA can be used to investigate mucosal levels.

Serum protein electrophoresis can be used to identify deficiencies in immunoglobulin levels; serum immunoglobulin quantification will identify specific deficiencies. Faecal analysis of IgA can be used to investigate mucosal levels.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==