Understanding Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in Dogs | Veterinary Guide 2025 🩺🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, founder & veterinarian at Ask A Vet. As part of today’s 2025 veterinary series, we’re exploring Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)—a rare but important hereditary respiratory disorder in dogs. If you’ve noticed chronic coughing, nasal discharge, fertility issues, or even “reversed” organs in your pup, this in‑depth blog is for you. We’ll explain causes, diagnosis, treatment plans, and how brands like Ask A Vet, can support your pup’s journey. Let’s dig in! 💙🐶

1. What is Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)? 🤔

PCD is a genetic disorder affecting the tiny hair‑like structures called cilia, found throughout your dog’s airways, reproductive tract, and even brain. These cilia normally beat in a synchronized wave to help clear mucus, dust, and pathogens. In PCD, that motion is ineffective—leading to serious health impacts:

• Chronic respiratory infections: mucus buildup → frequent sneezes, coughs, pneumonia.
• Infertility: malfunctioning sperm in males, reduced fertility in females.
• Situs inversus (Kartagener's syndrome): in 50% of PCD cases, internal organs may be reversed .

In veterinary cases, this was first noted in Old English Sheepdogs .

2. Which breeds are affected? 🐾

While rare, PCD has been reported in many purebreds, including:

• Old English Sheepdogs 
• Bichon Frise 
• Border Collies, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Poodles, Newfoundlands, Staffordshire Bull Terriers… and more (total 19+ documented breeds) 

Mixed‐breed dogs can also carry the genes . The mode of inheritance is usually autosomal recessive, meaning pups need two copies of the mutated gene to develop the disease .

3. How does PCD affect your dog’s body?

3.1 Respiratory System

Healthy cilia remove mucus & pathogens from the airways, but in PCD, impaired movement leads to:

• Rhinosinusitis (persistent sneezing, nasal discharge)
• Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia (productive cough)
• Bronchiectasis: permanent airway dilation from continuous inflammation 
• Otitis media: ear infections from mucosal buildup 

3.2 Reproductive System

Motile cilia in sperm and fallopian tubes are affected too. Males often face infertility due to weak sperm movement . Females may have reduced fertility or a slightly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy .

3.3 Other systems

• Situs inversus (Kartagener’s syndrome): internal “mirror image” organ placement in ~50% of dogs 
• Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in brain ventricles) 
• Renal issues, liver defects, heart abnormalities—less common but reported 

4. Spotting the Symptoms Early 🕵️♂️

Early recognition is vital. Key signs include:

• Young pups (mostly under 6 months) with persistent moist cough and sneezing 
• Frequent respiratory infections that respond to treatment but quickly recur()
• Exercise intolerance due to breathing issues
• Males failing to father pups despite normal mating behavior
• Physical exam may detect dextrocardia (heart on right side) or reversed organ sounds

Findings like chronic ear infections or signs of hydrocephalus also raise suspicion.

5. Diagnosing PCD: What Vets Do 🔬

There’s no one-size-fits-all test. Veterinary diagnosis uses:

5.1 Clinical and Imaging Assessments

• Full physical exam & history, with attention to recurrent infections and organ laterality
• Chest or head radiographs or CT scans to spot bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and situs inversus 

5.2 Laboratory & Functional Tests

• Bronchoalveolar lavage or nasal biopsy to evaluate cilia under electron microscopy 
• Analysis of ciliary beat pattern & frequency via video microscopy 
• Possibly genetic testing for known mutations (e.g. CCDC39 in Old English Sheepdogs) 

5.3 Ruling Out Other Causes

Because respiratory issues are common in many conditions, vets must rule out:

• Infections: distemper, kennel cough, pneumonia
• Allergies, asthma
• Immunodeficiencies

Diagnostic clarity often depends on biopsy or ultrastructural findings, as blood work alone is insufficient .

6. Treatment & Daily Care Plan 🛠️

While there’s *no cure* for PCD, a strong care plan helps manage symptoms:

6.1 Acute Respiratory Infections

• Prompt antibiotic therapy guided by cultures (commonly treat Haemophilus, Staph., etc.) 
• Oxygen support during pneumonia episodes
• No cough suppressants—coughing helps clear airways 

6.2 Airway Hygiene Techniques

• Regular exercise to stimulate natural coughing and mucus clearance 
• Saline nebulization or steam therapy to loosen secretions 
• Chest physiotherapy, similar to what Ask A Vet respiratory programs recommend

6.3 Preventive and Supportive Care

• Frequent vet check-ups to detect early infections
• Vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Balanced diet and supplements (e.g., Omega-3s) to support immunity—offered through Woopf

6.4 Advanced Interventions

• Lobectomy only in severe, refractory infections 
• Long-term azithromycin prophylaxis may be considered 
• Lung transplant is rare but possible in end-stage cases 

6.5 Managing Fertility Issues

• Males: fertility evaluation; assisted reproduction may be an option
• Females: monitor fertility status, consider veterinary reproductive support

7. Prognosis: What to Expect 📊

Long‑term outlook depends on:

• Frequency and severity of infections
• Response to treatment
• Presence of complications like bronchiectasis or organ defects

With proper care, many dogs can lead relatively stable lives—sometimes becoming “subclinical” with age . However, potential risks include chronic pneumonia, lung failure, heart disease, and systemic amyloidosis over time .

8. Breeder & Owner Advice 🌱

For breeders and future pet parents:

• Consider DNA screening for known PCD mutations (e.g., CCDC39), especially in at-risk breeds
• Avoid breeding carriers—even healthy carriers can pass the mutation
• When adopting a pup, research the breeder’s health testing protocols

Brands like these can support breeder health registries and genetic tracking programs.

9. Monitoring & When to Call the Vet 🚨

✅ Watch for:

• Increased coughing/sneezing
• Worsening nasal discharge or color change
• Lethargy, appetite loss, trouble breathing
• Blue/pale gums (cyanosis) during episodes 

If any of these signs occur, prompt veterinary care—either in-person or via telehealth through Ask A Vet—is critical.

10. Brand‐Integrated Support 💡

• Ask A Vet: Telehealth care, respiratory-therapy guidance, vet consultations.

Summary & Final Thoughts 📝

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is a complex, lifelong condition—yet with early diagnosis, medical care, and a tailored routine, many pups still thrive. If your dog shows persistent respiratory signs or reversed organ placement, seek veterinary guidance. Brands like Ask A Vet are here to support you every step of the way.

Remember, every dog is unique—stay observant, stay proactive, and reach out for help when needed 💙🐾.

If you suspect PCD or want personalized guidance, schedule a telehealth appointment via AskAVet.com and download our app for 24/7 pet care support. 🌟