What it is
Neutrophils are the body's first responders: white blood cells, made in the bone marrow, that rush to any spot where bacteria get in. In trapped neutrophil syndrome they are made normally but cannot leave the bone marrow, so the blood carries far too few of them. Without this first line of defence, even small infections can take hold and spread.
The disease is inherited and shows itself in young puppies, within the first weeks or months of life. A puppy has to inherit the faulty gene from both parents to be affected.
An affected puppy may look smaller and thinner than its littermates and have a narrow, pointed face. It may pick up infections of the joints, gut or skin one after another and tire easily. Comparing its growth and appetite with its littermates helps you notice early that something is wrong.
Signs you may notice
- Smaller than its littermates
- Narrow, pointed face
- Fever and low energy
- Limping or sore joints
- Infections that keep coming back
A puppy may grow more slowly and stay smaller than its littermates, run a fever, limp or keep coming down with infections that are slow to clear.
When to see a vet
Book a visit promptly if your puppy runs a fever, limps or seems to fall ill again and again, or if it falls behind its littermates in growth.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.