What is a SCID Foal?

Immunoglobulin deficiency, also known as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease (SCID), is a condition in which a horse's body cannot produce antibodies to fight infections. This inherited condition affects part-bred and pure Arabian horses, making it more common in these breeds.

Antibodies are crucial compounds produced by the immune system to identify and mark bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances that enter the body. Horses with SCID are missing certain immune cells, which makes them vulnerable to infections as the antibodies they received from their mother's colostrum slowly disappear.

During the first few months of life, foals affected by SCID appear healthy. However, without these essential immune cells, the body is unable to fight off bacterial, viral, and other infections. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition, and horses with SCID often die from pneumonia or other infections within two months.

The thymus, an organ responsible for producing certain immune cells (T and B cells), is affected in horses with SCID. This results in a severe deficiency of these vital cells, making it challenging for the horse's immune system to fight off infections.

SCID can occur as either a primary or secondary immunodeficiency disorder. Primary immunodeficiencies are inherited conditions present at birth, while secondary immunodeficiencies can develop later in life due to various factors such as diseases affecting the metabolic or endocrine systems or treatments that suppress the immune system.

Symptoms of immunodeficiency disorders in horses may include recurring infections, failure of antibiotics to treat an infection, osteomyelitis (bone infection), meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), opportunistic organisms, and infections occurring in multiple parts of the body at the same time.

The main sign of immunodeficiency is an increase in the number or severity of infections. These disorders can affect different parts of the horse's immune system, making them rare conditions that prevent the immune system from protecting the horse against viral, bacterial, or other types of infections.

In conclusion, SCID foals are born with a severe deficiency of immune cells, making them vulnerable to life-threatening infections. While there is no treatment for this condition, understanding its causes and symptoms can help breeders and veterinarians identify affected horses and provide necessary care to manage their condition.

What is a scid foal