Inherited canine copper toxicosis in Australian Bedlington Terriers

Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington Terriers (CTBT) is a copper associated hepatopathy caused by an autosomal recessive genetic defect of gene involving copper metabolism. To compare clinical and histopathological findings with previous reports and to expand our knowledge for future genetic studies, 18 terriers were clinically and histopathologically examined in this study. Pedigree information and dietary history were obtained from the owners before a thorough clinical examination was undertaken. Following the examination, a blood sample was collected for haematology, biochemistry and genetic analysis and a urine sample for urinalysis. Seven dogs were also liver biopsied for histopathology, histochemistry and electron microscopy. In this study, plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) activity was highly concordant with DNA marker test results and was the most reliable and sensitive biochemical test measured. Also clinical and biochemical copper toxicosisaffected states were noticed in a genotyped carrier dog. Histopathological and electron microscopy findings showed that the severity of the lesion was more closely correlated to the presence of clinical signs than to hepatic copper concentration. In addition, the involvement of apoptosis and p53 gene was observed in electron microscopy. The general findings related to CT-BT in this study was similar to those previously reported except few differences in histopathology and electron microscopy.