|
|
A DNA test for Copper Toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers
Copper Toxicosis.
A DNA-test for CT in the Bedlington Terrier.
Breeds at risk.
In the literature Copper Toxicosis (CT) is very often presented as in the
first place a Bedlington Terrier-problem. In this breed CT could develop with
high frequencies of affected animals and carriers because it is a late-onset disease.
Affected animals very often had offspring, even grandchildren, before their disease was
detected. In that way the disorder could spread almost without limitations within the
population.
Now, after the DNA test has been applied on most of the breeding animals in the last
couple of years, the CT problem for the Bedlington Terrier has been reduced to a level
that is no longer a threat to the future of the breed. Most breeders succeeded in eliminating
the problem from their lines.
As far as we know now, the DNA test only discriminates between the CT genotypes
within the Bedlington Terrier breed. If we find Copper Toxicosis in related (terrier)
breeds it might be worthwhile to check whether application of the DNA test informs us about
the genotypes involved. In case it does, a solution is within reach for that breed.
By now we know that CT is not restricted to Bedlington Terriers and a few other
breeds. It is a disorder occurring in many breeds. The general problem is that in most
breeds there is no systematic registration and analysis of known cases. After the diagnosis
that an animal suffers from "hepatitis" or maybe even "chronic hepatitis" treatment is
started focusing on the well-being of the individual animal. Only very seldom attempts
are made to trace the underlying (genetic) cause of the disorder.
In several breeds research programmes have been started to study the causes of
Chronic Active Hepatitis resulting from or relating to CT. Because the incidences of this
disease seem to be rather breed-specific there must be a causative genetic component involved.
Hopefully we will soon have other DNA tests available that enable us to reduce and finally
eliminate the CAH problems in other breeds as well.
Breeding policy.
Testing for CT.
|
|