Genetic Diseases and Abnormalities that MAY be found in Bedlington Terriers.

The following is a list of Genetic Diseases and Abnormalities that have been identified in some Bedlington Terriers. The Disease or Condition is given by name followed by a brief description. The only Genetic Disease or Condition that we have seen is Copper Toxicosis, this condition was present in our first dog and a pup that we have from our first litter is a carrier of this disease. As a consequence he is not used in our breeding program.

Liver and Kidneys.

Copper Toxicosis or Copper Storage Disease.

Due to abnormal metabolism, copper accumulates in the body and causes poisoning (toxicity) mainly in the liver and the brain, resulting in liver disease and nervous system problems.

There has been a Linked DNA Marker test available for this condition for a number of years and all breeders should be able to provide you with the DNA status of the parents of your pup. This will in all likelihood be in the form of a certificate from VetGen.

Recently (January 2006, in the U.K.), a new genetic test has been announced that identifies the affected gene for dogs with type 2 DNA so is a definitive test rather than an indicator. Wurroit Bedlingtons will use this test in only in the unlikely event that we acquire a dog with type 2 DNA. All of our current dogs are DNA typed as 1,1 and this test does not identify a deletion on type 1 DNA

Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH).

A long term progressive liver disorder caused by the immune system mistakenly recognising the normal liver as foreign. The result is destruction of cells in the liver and inflammation of the liver.

Renal cortical hypoplasia.

A condition in which the kidneys cause continual protein loss in urine that leads to wastage.

Skeletal.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Due to the lack of an enzyme (a substance that increases the rate of chemical reactions in the body) required for normal bone formation, the bones are abnormally brittle and susceptible to fracture.

Eye Conditions.

Ectropion and Entropian.

The eyelids are turned outward, and do not rest against the eyeball, so that parts of the eye are exposed and unprotected.

Atresia of nasolacrimal puncta & Lacrimal duct atresia.

A condition in which tears overflow down the dog's face because the channels that drain tears from just inside the eyelids are too narrow or have no hole.

Cataract

Cataracts are abnormal lesions on one or both eyes, which results in a reduction of vision, even to the extent of being blind.

Distichiasis.

Eyelashes that grow in abnormal directions, most importantly towards the eyeball itself.

Microphthalmia.

A condition where one or both eyes are too small.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (X-linked).

A condition where the nerve cells and blood vessels of the retina (the layer at the back of the eye that responds to light, collects messages and passes them on to the brain) degenerate.

Recessive retinal dysplasia.

A developmental disorder, carried by a recessive gene resulting in an abnormal retina and poor eyesight, if not blindness.

Retinal detachment & Retinal dysplasia.

Retinal dysplasia is due to the incorrect formation of the retina (the back surface of the eye, which collects visual information to be sent to the brain), resulting in reduced or complete loss of vision.

If you would like further information regarding the prevalence of any of these conditions or the treatment of those conditions please do not hesitate to contact us.