The Bedlington Terrier Association
Health Group Report 2021
The COMMD1 DNA test is NOT definitive and the results are frequently misrepresented. The results only relate to the COMMD1 form of CT. It is incorrect to declare a dog 'clear' of CT. A number of dogs with COMMD1 results 'clear' and 'carrier' has been diagnosed affected with CT when a liver biopsy was carried and the sample analysed by an experienced veterinary pathologist.
This year some more dogs affected with Copper Toxicosis but COMMD1 tested Clear and Carrier have been identified. The Research Project currently being carried out by Dr Susan Haywood, Prof. Mike Herrtage & Penny Watson, University of Cambridge Veterinary School and June Swinburne, Animal DND Diagnostic Centre is now going through the assessment process and should be published in the near future
They have also been looking at CT in dogs from a number of other breeds identifying a number of potential causative genes.
They still need liver and blood samples from any dog which is suspected of having CT. Another way you can help is to supply an Autopsy sample.
Some people put dogs onto low copper diets on the basis of the COMMD1 DNA results, this should only be done with the consent of a vet. I have seen some incorrect information on CT on puppy sales websites so please beware. If you want accurate information contact one of the three KC breed clubs websites.
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group - Coordinator
Health Group Report 2020
This has been a strange year with lockdowns, partial and total, and sadly the AHT had to close its doors due to lack of funds, this meant that we had lost the use of its services for DNA testing for COMMD1
Luckily June at the Animal DNA Diagnostic Centre at Cambridge can offer DNA testing for COMMD1 and Hyperteratosis. The results are usually back in about two weeks and fees very competitive.
Details :
June Swinburne at the Animal DNA Diagnostic Centre at Cambridge
HYPERLINK "https://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN1009x261029421&id=YN1009x261029421&q=Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics&name=Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics&cp=52.22936248779297~0.15673699975013733&ppois=52.22936248779297_0.15673699975013733_Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics" Unit1 6 William James House Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WX tel 01223 395577
The KC require a Breed Health Plan, which has been prepared and is in discussion before being finalised, it will then be published on the BTHG website and on breed club websites if they wish.
I have received an update report from Susan Haywood, see below
Progress in Copper Toxicosis research 2019/20
Susan Haywood, BVSc,PhD, MRCVS
Since reporting our findings on the association of the metal transporter gene ABCA12 in non-COMMD1 copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers in 20161, Dr Penny Watson and Dr June Swinburne of Cambridge and Professor Stuart Carter (Liverpool) and myself have continued our research into copper toxicosis. We have now extended our remit to include dogs of other breeds which have a similar disease profile to the disease in Bedlingtons. (This separately funded).
The variant genes we are able to study include in addition to COMMD1, ABCA12, and a third genotype reported in Labrador retrievers2 an ATP7b variant (Wilsons disease).
Results: Accessioned Bedlington terriers*
Name (dog)DiagnosisGenotype
COMMD1Genotype
ABCA12Genotype
ATP7b
AmberCopper toxicosisWT/DelGA ACGA
NoodlesCopper toxicosisWT/WTGA CCGA
Woody GreenCopper toxicosisDel/ DelGA CCGG
Izzy? Copper toxicosisDel/DelGA ACGG
TedCopper toxicosisDel/DelGG AAGA
IsaacCopper toxicosisWT/WTGG AA GA
*I have included only those samples submitted which included a liver biopsy or which were not diagnosed with copper toxicosis.
In this very limited series it can be seen that 3 affected dogs were diagnosed with COMMD1del/del genotype, 2 CT affected dogs with ABCA12 variants and lacking COMMD1del/del and finally one dog of considerable interest “Isaac” lacked both COMMD1 and ABCA12 variants and exhibited only the ATP7b Wilsons variant.
In conclusion it would appear that Bedlington copper toxicosis can be the outcome of one or more genetic variants that have all appeared in other breeds sampled and much more sampling of Bedlington terriers is advised if a true picture is to be obtained.
References:
Susan Haywood et al. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2016) 35,83-89.
Hille Fieten et al, Disease models and Mechanisms (2016) 9,25-38
As you can see not many people are having their dogs included in the research. In these difficult times, some vets may only do a liver biopsy if another procedure is being carried out, or if the dog shows symptoms of liver problems if you do need to have a dog biopsied please contact Penny Watson, see details below:-
Penny Watson MA VetMD CertVR DSAM DipECVIM FRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 OES
Tel (+44+ - (0)1223 337621 Fax: (+44) - (0)1223 330848
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group
Health Group Report 2019
The Kennel Club issued the following statement during the summer:-
Following consultation with the Dog Health Group, the Kennel Club has confirmed that, from 1st August 2018, any DNA health test result submitted for inclusion on its database must have at least two forms of identification on the result certificate.
It will be mandatory to include the dog’s microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number. Any test results that do not carry these identifying features will not be accepted.
This brings the recording of DNA test results in line with those health tests carried out by the British Veterinary Association.
I have continued to get reports of dogs with Cushings Syndrome, sadly symptoms are not visible until bitches could have produced up to four litters and dogs could have sired many litters. On checking pedigrees of affected dogs the problem does appear to run in families of related dogs.
Another problem which has come to light this year is Entropion. This is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward so that the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye surface. This causes irritation and discomfort. I have not heard of dogs with this eye problem before in the UK, but it has been seen in the USA. I consulted a BVA panellist, when I had some of my dogs eye tested for TRD, he told me that the condition of Entropion is a heredity condition and dogs with it should not be bred from.
Another condition which came to light was Dry Eye and he said that this was usually heredity and again dogs with the condition should not be bred from. Some years ago dog with this condition came into rescue, after monitoring her for some months under the supervision of my vet, she was rehomed and has continued to have a good life with regular veterinary care.
There are still a number adverts claiming that dogs are clear of CT(Copper Toxicosis) based on the COMMD1 DNA results, without the clarification that the published results only relate to the form of CT caused by the COMMD1 gene and not all forms of CT.
There have also been claims that dogs are clear of TRD when eye test results only state that a dog is unaffected or affected for the condition.
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group Co-ordinator
The COMMD1 DNA test is NOT definitive and the results are frequently misrepresented. The results only relate to the COMMD1 form of CT. It is incorrect to declare a dog 'clear' of CT. A number of dogs with COMMD1 results 'clear' and 'carrier' has been diagnosed affected with CT when a liver biopsy was carried and the sample analysed by an experienced veterinary pathologist.
This year some more dogs affected with Copper Toxicosis but COMMD1 tested Clear and Carrier have been identified. The Research Project currently being carried out by Dr Susan Haywood, Prof. Mike Herrtage & Penny Watson, University of Cambridge Veterinary School and June Swinburne, Animal DND Diagnostic Centre is now going through the assessment process and should be published in the near future
They have also been looking at CT in dogs from a number of other breeds identifying a number of potential causative genes.
They still need liver and blood samples from any dog which is suspected of having CT. Another way you can help is to supply an Autopsy sample.
Some people put dogs onto low copper diets on the basis of the COMMD1 DNA results, this should only be done with the consent of a vet. I have seen some incorrect information on CT on puppy sales websites so please beware. If you want accurate information contact one of the three KC breed clubs websites.
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group - Coordinator
Health Group Report 2020
This has been a strange year with lockdowns, partial and total, and sadly the AHT had to close its doors due to lack of funds, this meant that we had lost the use of its services for DNA testing for COMMD1
Luckily June at the Animal DNA Diagnostic Centre at Cambridge can offer DNA testing for COMMD1 and Hyperteratosis. The results are usually back in about two weeks and fees very competitive.
Details :
June Swinburne at the Animal DNA Diagnostic Centre at Cambridge
HYPERLINK "https://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN1009x261029421&id=YN1009x261029421&q=Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics&name=Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics&cp=52.22936248779297~0.15673699975013733&ppois=52.22936248779297_0.15673699975013733_Animal+D+N+A+Diagnostics" Unit1 6 William James House Cowley Road, Cambridge CB4 0WX tel 01223 395577
The KC require a Breed Health Plan, which has been prepared and is in discussion before being finalised, it will then be published on the BTHG website and on breed club websites if they wish.
I have received an update report from Susan Haywood, see below
Progress in Copper Toxicosis research 2019/20
Susan Haywood, BVSc,PhD, MRCVS
Since reporting our findings on the association of the metal transporter gene ABCA12 in non-COMMD1 copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers in 20161, Dr Penny Watson and Dr June Swinburne of Cambridge and Professor Stuart Carter (Liverpool) and myself have continued our research into copper toxicosis. We have now extended our remit to include dogs of other breeds which have a similar disease profile to the disease in Bedlingtons. (This separately funded).
The variant genes we are able to study include in addition to COMMD1, ABCA12, and a third genotype reported in Labrador retrievers2 an ATP7b variant (Wilsons disease).
Results: Accessioned Bedlington terriers*
Name (dog)DiagnosisGenotype
COMMD1Genotype
ABCA12Genotype
ATP7b
AmberCopper toxicosisWT/DelGA ACGA
NoodlesCopper toxicosisWT/WTGA CCGA
Woody GreenCopper toxicosisDel/ DelGA CCGG
Izzy? Copper toxicosisDel/DelGA ACGG
TedCopper toxicosisDel/DelGG AAGA
IsaacCopper toxicosisWT/WTGG AA GA
*I have included only those samples submitted which included a liver biopsy or which were not diagnosed with copper toxicosis.
In this very limited series it can be seen that 3 affected dogs were diagnosed with COMMD1del/del genotype, 2 CT affected dogs with ABCA12 variants and lacking COMMD1del/del and finally one dog of considerable interest “Isaac” lacked both COMMD1 and ABCA12 variants and exhibited only the ATP7b Wilsons variant.
In conclusion it would appear that Bedlington copper toxicosis can be the outcome of one or more genetic variants that have all appeared in other breeds sampled and much more sampling of Bedlington terriers is advised if a true picture is to be obtained.
References:
Susan Haywood et al. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology (2016) 35,83-89.
Hille Fieten et al, Disease models and Mechanisms (2016) 9,25-38
As you can see not many people are having their dogs included in the research. In these difficult times, some vets may only do a liver biopsy if another procedure is being carried out, or if the dog shows symptoms of liver problems if you do need to have a dog biopsied please contact Penny Watson, see details below:-
Penny Watson MA VetMD CertVR DSAM DipECVIM FRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine
Department of Veterinary Medicine
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 OES
Tel (+44+ - (0)1223 337621 Fax: (+44) - (0)1223 330848
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group
Health Group Report 2019
The Kennel Club issued the following statement during the summer:-
Following consultation with the Dog Health Group, the Kennel Club has confirmed that, from 1st August 2018, any DNA health test result submitted for inclusion on its database must have at least two forms of identification on the result certificate.
It will be mandatory to include the dog’s microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number. Any test results that do not carry these identifying features will not be accepted.
This brings the recording of DNA test results in line with those health tests carried out by the British Veterinary Association.
I have continued to get reports of dogs with Cushings Syndrome, sadly symptoms are not visible until bitches could have produced up to four litters and dogs could have sired many litters. On checking pedigrees of affected dogs the problem does appear to run in families of related dogs.
Another problem which has come to light this year is Entropion. This is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward so that the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye surface. This causes irritation and discomfort. I have not heard of dogs with this eye problem before in the UK, but it has been seen in the USA. I consulted a BVA panellist, when I had some of my dogs eye tested for TRD, he told me that the condition of Entropion is a heredity condition and dogs with it should not be bred from.
Another condition which came to light was Dry Eye and he said that this was usually heredity and again dogs with the condition should not be bred from. Some years ago dog with this condition came into rescue, after monitoring her for some months under the supervision of my vet, she was rehomed and has continued to have a good life with regular veterinary care.
There are still a number adverts claiming that dogs are clear of CT(Copper Toxicosis) based on the COMMD1 DNA results, without the clarification that the published results only relate to the form of CT caused by the COMMD1 gene and not all forms of CT.
There have also been claims that dogs are clear of TRD when eye test results only state that a dog is unaffected or affected for the condition.
Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group Co-ordinator
Health in the Bedlington Terrier
For information on the Health of Bedlingtons go to the Bedlington Terrier Health Group
http//www.bedlingtonterrierhealthgroup.org
Animal DNA Diagnostics Centre Ltd
This Business has been sold to
Orivet Genetic Pet Care
For inquiries, Ryley Wallbeoff will be our dedicated Customer Care Agent.
You can reach Ryley by email at ryley@orivet.com or by phone at 01223 395577.
Ryley will be happy to assist you with any support you need during this transition.
Will put up more details when I receive them.
Information from the Kennel Club regarding BVA testing duiring Lockdown
Click above
New KC Genetics Centre
Click above
http//www.bedlingtonterrierhealthgroup.org
Animal DNA Diagnostics Centre Ltd
This Business has been sold to
Orivet Genetic Pet Care
For inquiries, Ryley Wallbeoff will be our dedicated Customer Care Agent.
You can reach Ryley by email at ryley@orivet.com or by phone at 01223 395577.
Ryley will be happy to assist you with any support you need during this transition.
Will put up more details when I receive them.
Information from the Kennel Club regarding BVA testing duiring Lockdown
Click above
New KC Genetics Centre
Click above
