Passive immune transfer in puppies

Abstract

The puppy, born without immunoglobulins G (IgG), acquires a passive systemic immunity thanks to colostrum intake during the two first days of life. The quality of passive immune transfer (i.e. blood IgG concentration at two days of age), highly variable between litters and between puppies within litters, depends mainly on the time elapsed between birth and ingestion of colostrum, with limited influence of colostrum IgG concentration. Deficit in passive immune transfer, impacting puppy's health and neonatal mortality rate, can be indirectly diagnosed through blood gammaglutamyltransferases assay and evaluation of growth rate over the two first days of life. In the absence of maternal colostrum, few homo-and heterospecific immune sources are available and canine colostrum banking remains the optimal solution. Whereas passive immune transfer is crucial for survival during the neonatal period, it later interferes with response to vaccination. In addition to systemic passive immune transfer, maternal antibodies (mainly IgA) would provide local (digestive) immunity, ensuring mid-term protection of the puppies' gut together with probably long term training of the digestive immune system.

Development of Dog Immune System: From in Uterus to Elderly

“…In parallel to MDA decreasing, and in response to environmental pathogens, the newborn puppy produces its own antibodies, with a significant increase of antibody concentration as early as 14-21 days of age [58].…”

Pre- and Probiotics to Increase the Immune Power of Colostrum in Dogs

“…1.02 ± 0.11 (ab) 34.06 ± 5.74 (ab) 2 weeks 5.63 ± 3.43 (ab) 0.93 ± 0.05 (a) 46.88 ± 4.22 (b) 4 weeks 7.00 ± 1.83 (b) 1.16 ± 0.20 (b) 44.15 ± 4.21 (b) Referring to the control group, a comparison to the already existing literature is reported. Note that Day et al, (1) and Chastant and Mila,(4) are reviews, while Vaerman and Heremans (32) analysed data from 1 subject, Heddle and Rowley, (31) based their data on 2-4 dogs and Ricks et al, (12) referred to 6 bitches. Different superscripts denote statistically significant differences within columns.…”

“…Canine placenta is of endotheliochorial type, a relatively impenetrable barrier, thus colostrum consumption plays a pivotal role in the maturation and development of the neonatal immune system (3). Colostrum represents a crucial source of passive immunity thanks to immunological factors, such as IgG, IgA, and IgM (4). The IgG concentrate from blood to the mammary gland (5,6), while IgM and IgA are concentrated in colostrum by an enteromammary link that allows the plasma cells transfer from gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) to the mammary gland (3).…”

“…Previous authors reported possible variation in the concentration of specific antibodies within the colostral immunoglobulins (1,12). Wide physiological differences in the Ig concentration in colostrum have been described, thus some puppies/litters can be at risk of death due to failure or lack of passive immune transfer (4). Passive immune transfer should be maximized to reach proper Ig concentrations in puppies (4).…”

“…Wide physiological differences in the Ig concentration in colostrum have been described, thus some puppies/litters can be at risk of death due to failure or lack of passive immune transfer (4). Passive immune transfer should be maximized to reach proper Ig concentrations in puppies (4). The present study aimed at evaluating whether the dietary supplementation with mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus during pregnancy could increase the Ig concentrations in the serum and colostrum of bitches.…”