This is an autosomal recessive disease of Border Collies that appears to have been present in the breed for a very long time, and occurs across all lines.

It is an immune defect where neutrophils are produced by the bone marrow, but there is a defect that prevents their release into the bloodstream.

This results in a susceptibility to infection and tendency to ill-thrift and repeated infections.

Some pups are small and fine-boned in appearance, while others appear normal.

Pups will often react badly to vaccination, developing severe fever and illness.

Most affected animals die or are euthanised by the age of 6 months.

Affected animals are diagnosed by having a low neutrophil count on blood tests, but plentiful neutrophils on bone marrow biopsy.

A DNA test is now available so that breeding animals may be tested and carrier animals detected.

It is estimated that 10 – 15% of the Border collie population are carriers for trapped neutrophil syndrome.

There is no cure for this disease.