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A DNA test for Copper Toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers
Copper Toxicosis.
The trace mineral Copper is incorporated into several enzymes that catalyze important
reactions in the body. Copper intake is through the diet and its main route of excretion is
through the production of bile salts. Copper Toxicosis (CT) is a disorder we
see in all species. It results from the accumulation of dietary copper in the liver until
reaching toxic levels at which time pathologic changes develop. In dogs CT is best
known in Bedlington Terriers but the disorder, including the Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH)
resulting from it, is reported in many other breeds as well.
In general the cause of the disorder is genetic: there is a defect (a mutation) in one of the
many pairs of genes that are involved in copper metabolism. The defect results in
mal-functioning or even non-functioning of one of the enzymes involved in this process.
The toxic hepatic copper concentrations cause a chronic hepatitis that is responsible for
the death of the animal at a too young age.
For animals known to develop CT later in life the use of low-copper diets and specific
anti-copper treatment can prevent some of the deterioration of the quality of life of the
animal. It may even increase its life span.
A DNA-test for CT in the Bedlington Terrier.
Breeds at risk.
Breeding policy.
Testing for CT.
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