Inherited copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers

Chronic hepatitis and increased hepatic copper concentrations, from 1,600 to 6,361 micrograms/g dry tissue were found in 4 related, Australian-bred Bedlington terriers. Two dogs were asymptomatic and 2 were clinically ill with signs referable to liver dysfunction. Two dogs were treated with d-penicillamine. After one year there was no improvement in the histopathological liver changes in either dog or significant lowering of hepatic copper level in one dog.