Our TNS Story

We have a lovely Border Collie called Flash, she has Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS). Up to date information about TNS in adult dogs is hard to find, so this is our experience.

First just a little information on TNS.

What is TNS?

TNS is a condition that only affects border collies. It is an inherited genetic condition. TNS causes Neutrophils (white blood cells) to be trapped. Animals (including dogs) generate neutrophils in the bone marrow, these are then transferred to the blood where they can fight infections. In TNS the Neutrophils are trapped in the bone marrow. This can lead to a weakened immune system and issues with the bones and joints.

To inherit TNS the parents must both be carriers. It is a rare condition and even if both parents are carriers the puppies may not inherit TNS. Our dog has TNS but was the only one in the litter of 11 to develop the condition.

How to spot TNS

Puppies will develop normally but may become poorly around 12 weeks.

They may have inflammation or joint stiffness and have a lower count of white blood cells, about one-third of the normal range.

If the dog appears to have an infection or inflammation, but antibiotics are not working then this may be TNS.

Dogs with TNS will be smaller, they will develop a thinner longer snout and have longer legs for their size.

If you think your puppy may have TNS then the vet can do a screening blood test which is very accurate. You may need to request this from the vet.

What to do if your dog has TNS

If you have a confirmed diagnosis, let the breeder know. They can have their dogs screened for the condition.

The good news is that dogs with TNS can have a very normal life. Once you have a TNS diagnosis you need to develop a simple regimen to keep the dog in good health.

Our regimen

Because Flash is prescribed steroids, the vet gives Flash a health check every 6 months.
Occasionally we will get antibiotics from the vet to help with any potential infection.

Flash's story

Flash has an unusual story. One that saved her life.

Flash was born on a farm and was one of 11 puppies. She is the only puppy in the litter that developed TNS. Around 12 weeks Flash became unwell, and we took her to the local vet.

The vet did some imaging and was very surprised by the result. Flash had some honeycombing on her legs. It turns out this usually affects big dogs where their bones grow too quickly. In hindsight we think this is part of TNS as Flash's legs were quite long for such a small puppy.

The vet prescribed antibiotics. Unfortunately, Flash took an allergic reaction and her throat closed. She was admitted to the animal hospital for an emergency tracheotomy.

Flash was placed in an oxygen chamber. Her condition was extremely worrying and the vets did not hold out much chance for her. Amazingly Flash pulled through and came back home after two weeks. We were very pleased to have her back. Her scars healed and she was back to her old self.

While in hospital, the vets did a screening test and discovered she had TNS. It took a while for that diagnosis to sink in. Once we started to read more about the condition our hearts sunk. The information was very negative and painted a very dark picture.

However, there was some evidence that steroids helped the condition in the short term, and we started giving flash 5mg of the steroid prednisone and kept in regular touch with the vet team. The plan was to monitor her condition and have regular checks with the vet.

Searching for more information online we discovered a 12 year old female border collie with TNS called Fio, that lived in Japan. It was very encouraging to find out about Fio and we had the chance to talk to her owner Takayuki (online) who was very familiar with TNS and how to manage it.

Takayuki had been working with the local University veterinary team and had developed a regimen to look after Fio that was working well. We followed the same advice.

Takayuki also periodically checked the neutrophil counts by taking a blood sample at the vets. Flash on the other hand, after her hospital stay had developed a profound distrust of the vet so we could not do this.

Any signs of a temperature or joint stiffness then then we up the steroid to 5mg or higher for a few days and keep an eye on her.

Flash is now 3.5 years old and is doing great.

Flash is small for a border collie. She is the size of a regular collie puppy. Her face and snout are thinner and her legs are longer for her physical size.

Message from Fio

Fio has been fantastic role model for Flash. Sadly she passed away this year aged 12. Fio had a fantastic bond with her owner and lived a very happy life.

Takayuki sent us a lovely message from Fio (in Japanese) which we translated.

I would like to share the information I have experienced through FIO in hopes that it will be of some use to Flash. As you may already know, It is said that TNS patients are more susceptible to infections because they have fewer neutrophils, but FIO proved that this is not the main factor. The true nature of TNS and its horror is an autoimmune disease. I believe that the appropriate medication was effective and that FIO was able to maintain a very high quality of life until she was 12 and a half years old.

First, what is Flash's normal white blood cell count (when she is in good health)? FIO was around 2500. Usually in Japan it is said to be 5050~16760. There were proportionally fewer neutrophils. CRP, which is a guideline that indicates inflammation values, was the standard for determining whether physical condition was good or bad. In addition, FIO was always taking temperatures every morning, but there were abnormalities in the test results, which are the two criteria for fever. When feeling well, the steroid (Brezonin) is given at 2.5mg per day when she has a fever, the maximum dose is 15mg when the dog is young (or 20mg after becoming a senior), and when the fever subsides, the dose is reduced as needed. I was back on 2.5mg in less than a week. In the case of FIO, I tried to reduce the steroid dose as soon as possible, and I did not see any worsening of the symptoms (although it is important to note that there are individual differences) How does Flash use steroids?

TNS-related symptoms experienced with FIO. Diarrhea, vomiting (IBD: inflammatory bowel disease), urinary dysfunction (inability to stand up, walking with a limp, etc.), cystitis (sterile), urinary dysfunction, visual disturbance, sensory disturbance (thin Symptoms below are thought to be due to multiple sclerosis (MS). Also, rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, etc. Most of the symptoms could be treated with steroids, but the things that steroids didn't work on were rheumatoid arthritis and pancreatitis. CBD oil is very effective for rheumatoid arthritis, either by drinking it or by applying it to the affected area. I was completely cured. We also believe that CBD oil has the effect of suppressing all types of inflammation. In my later years, I took CBD oil every day.

FIO began taking steroids regularly after the age of 2, and his QOL improved significantly. She enjoyed morning and evening walks, going to the park, traveling, participating in obedience councils, and was loved by his family. I experienced and enjoyed many things. Is it really an incurable disease? I think I have lived a fulfilling life.

We hope that this information will be of some use to Flash.
God bless
From FIO

Fio enjoying some cheese.

Fio enjoying a treat. Fio and Flash are very similar in appearance.

What's next for Flash

We have been deeply touched by Fio's story and hope Flash has a long and happy life too.

Flash is a fantastic dog, she loves life and loves people. We will monitor her condition each day and continue with the steroid treatment.

Our local vets know Flash very well and all about her condition. They are in touch with the University small animal team who diagnosed Flash, so we have expert help on hand should we need it.

We will always do what's in the best interest of Flash. Presently (2024) she is in great condition and is a very happy and content dog.