Beasley, our first Bedlington Terrier born in 1997, was genetically tested (VetGen using the DNA linked marker test C04107), for Copper Toxicosis at around 18 months of age. His results came back as 2,2 or affected.  

At this time he had been on a home cooked diet consisting of Supercoat Special Care chicken and rice, and home cooked chicken fillets, rice/pasta and a range of vegetables including beetroot (for liver cleansing). The aim of this low copper diet was to reduce the likelihood of copper building up in his liver. We were also giving him St Mary’s thistle extract which again, is used to improve liver function.

When he was three we needed to have his teeth cleaned under anaesthetic and as he had been identified as being affected by Copper Toxicosis we decided to have his liver function tested as the anaesthetics are broken down by the liver prior to elimination from the body. This test indicated that his blood cell counts and liver enzyme (ALAT & AP), counts were abnormal identifying that copper build up in the liver was occurring and causing problems at this early age.

We noticed a small lump on Beasley’s throat when he was about five years of age. This was identified as a Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), which we decided should be removed. Once again we conducted blood tests to ensure that his liver function was at an appropriate level to deal with the anaesthetics. The results of these tests indicated that his liver function was significantly impaired and his blood results were also very poor. He had a very high white blood cell count (usually indicating infections), and very low red in regards to red blood cells (possible anaemia due to lack of dietary copper).

The results of these tests indicated to us that surgery for his BCC could not be safely done and that due to his ongoing and declining liver function results that he was unlikely to reach old age. We did start him on a range of treatments under the direction of our Veterinary Surgeon as a means of slowing his declining liver functions and maintaining his health.

Regular check ups and blood test over the next three years continued to indicate failing liver function and poor blood test results.

At a little over seven years of age we noticed a growth developing on his sternum which was tested and found to be a large cell cancer. His blood tests at this time also indicated that he may have developed a form of canine leukaemia.

In early 2005 we felt that Beasley had reached Stage 3 of the disease Copper Toxicosis. He was frequently ill, lost weight, vomited often, urinated more, and became jaundiced (yellowing of the skin and eyes). His movement patterns also became changed perhaps indicating encephalopathy or altered mental functioning due to toxins in the blood.

By mid-April of 2005 he was so unwell it was decided that he should be put to sleep just shy of his eighth birthday. His litter-mate Brando also died of Copper Toxicosis later that year. We do not know how the other two pups in the litter have fared.

While we feel that Beasly died as a result of copper toxicosis affecting his liver function it is also important to note that some of this other health problems may have been linked to a lack of copper in his diet. Copper is an essential component of the diet and is neccessary for a number of normal bodily functions. It is needed for normal growth and health and it helps the body to use iron. It is also important for nerve function, bone growth and to help the body use sugar. Copper is needed for the proper function of approximately 50 different enzymes (cupro-enzymes).

Copper also plays a role in the production of haemoglobin (blood cells), myelin (essential for the transmission of nerve impulses), collagen (connective tissue such as ligaments and hair and nails), and melanin (dark pigment which has a protective function in regard to skin cancers). Copper also works with vitamin C to help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin. Copper and the enzyme tyronsinase are essential for the development of the natural dark pigment melanin (formed in cells called melanocytes), that colour the skin, hair and eyes.

Copper is a strong anti-oxidant, it works together with an anti-oxidant enzyme, super-oxide dismutase (SOD), to protect cell membranes from free radicals.

Copper is needed to make adenosine tri-phosphate, the energy the body runs on.

Copper may play a role in staving off heart rhythm disorder (arrythmias) and high blood pressure.

Copper's anti-inflammatory actions may help in reducing arthritis symptoms.

As you can see form the above information Copper Toxicosis is a significant problem for Bedlington terriers. An affected dog is likely to start accumulating copper deposits in the liver effecting liver function from a very young age. Increasing levels of coopper in the liver further compromise liver function to the point that the liver is not capable of performing it's role within the body which ultimately, will result in the death of the affected dog.

Failure to provide copper in the diet however is also going to cause problems especially in regards to it's role in the use of iron and the development of red blood cells.

Were Beasley's cancers caused by a lack of copper working with super-oxide dismutase to protect cell membranes from free radicals?

We don't know the answer to a range of questions that we have in regards to Copper Toxicosis and Beasley's disease and subsequent death. We will continue to do research to find out more.

We believe it is more than sufficient reason for us to continue testing so that we are in a position to eliminate Copper Toxicosis from the breed.