TNS DNA Border Collie Test Results

TNS stands for Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome, an hereditary disease where the bone marrow produces neutrophils (white cells) but is unable to effectively release them into the bloodstream.

Affected puppies have an impaired immune system and will eventually die from infections they cannot fight.

Once thought to be rare, it is now believed that the disease goes undiagnosed for several reasons. First, not very many veterinarians know about the disease to look for it.

Second, even when looking, blood counts do not always show lower than normal neutrophil (white blood cell) counts. Finally, because it is an autoimmune-deficiency disease, young puppies present a variety of symptoms depending upon what infections they fall prone to.

Thus many cases are not properly diagnosed and have just been thought to be “fading puppies”.

Making the diagnosis even more difficult is the fact that age of onset varies depending on which infection is involved at the time. Most puppies become ill before leaving the breeder but some do not have symptoms until later. The oldest known survivor was 2 years 8 months. Most affected puppies die or are euthanized by about 4 months of age.

The research now suggests that the gene is widespread throughout the Border Collie breed. TNS cases have been positively diagnosed in Australia, Great Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.

TNS carriers have been identified in lines not related to the Australian and New Zealand lines where the disease was first identified – including 100% ISDS lines. It is autosomal recessive, which means that both parents have to be carriers to produce an affected puppy.

TNS Research Update Report – May 21, 2007

This database contains results as tested by various laboratories from around the world. The current test, developed by Dr. Alan Wilton, is not for the mutation itself but for inheritance of the chromosome carrying the TNS mutation. In the table, CLEAR indicates that the TNS carrying chromosome was not inherited.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Alan Wilton. This TNS database is dedicated to his memory, who’s undying dedication made it possible for Border Collies to be bred without the possibility of producing puppies with TNS.

All results are individually submitted by the owners of the dogs.

It is now possible to test all Border Collies! Downloadable Forms are available in PDF format.

If you would like your information included on this website, please click here.

(At this time, we are only able to include dogs who have actually been tested, not dogs clear by parentage. Please remember to include your Accession or Lab Number as this validates the reports submitted.)

(By submitting your information, you agree to make the information public and have it published on this website. This information is being provided for personal use only. Any reproduction, in whole or in part, of the data contained herein is expressly forbidden without the written permission of the owner of this database.) 

(If you are the registered owner of a dog listed on this database and you would like your dog’s information to be removed, please click here.)

TNS Pedigrees Pedigree last added June 8, 2007 Pedigrees last updated May 1, 2007

Brazil TNS Test Results

Bulgaria TNS Test Results

Hong Kong TNS Test Results

Luxembourg TNS Test Results

Romania TNS Test Results

Serbia TNS Test Results

Slovakia TNS Test Results

Sweden TNS Test Results

Switzerland TNS Test Results