Histiocytosis(MH)
Also known as: Malignant Histiocytosis · Systemic Histiocytosis · Histiocytic Sarcoma · Histiozytose · Histiozytaeres Sarkom · …
Overview
What it is
Histiocytosis is a severe disorder of the immune system where specific white blood cells, called histiocytes, multiply abnormally. These cells normally help protect the body, but their uncontrolled growth can lead to tumors or tissue damage in various organs, including the skin, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes. Depending on the form, it can be localized to the skin or spread aggressively throughout the body's internal systems.
How it presents
Owners may notice symptoms like lethargy, unexplained weight loss, breathing difficulties, or visible lumps on the skin. These signs typically appear in middle-aged to older dogs, often progressing rapidly in more severe forms of the disease.
Treatment
While some mild skin forms can be managed, the systemic and malignant forms are generally incurable and require ongoing palliative care or chemotherapy to maintain comfort. Treatment is lifelong and supportive rather than curative, with typical costs ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 EUR.
How it's tested
Maligner Histiozytose DNA-Test(MH-Index)
Primary testDNA testDieser DNA-Test (SH-Index) analysiert genetische Marker, um das Risiko für die Entwicklung von Maligner Histiozytose (insbesondere beim Berner Sennenhund) zu bestimmen und teilt Hunde in drei Risikoklassen ein.
Issuing body: other
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Histiozytäres Sarkom Index(HS Index)
Primary testDNA testEin genetischer Risikotest, der die Wahrscheinlichkeit für die Entwicklung eines histiozytären Sarkoms (Maligne Histiozytose) analysiert, besonders etabliert für den Berner Sennenhund.
Issuing body: other
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Histiocytosis?
Histiocytosis is a severe disorder of the immune system where specific white blood cells, called histiocytes, multiply abnormally. These cells normally help protect the body, but their uncontrolled growth can lead to tumors or tissue damage in various organs, including the skin, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes. Depending on the form, it can be localized to the skin or spread aggressively throughout the body's internal systems.
How is Histiocytosis tested?
Tests currently in our database: Maligner Histiozytose DNA-Test, Histiozytäres Sarkom Index.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Bernese Mountain Dog, Flat-Coated Retriever, Rottweiler.