Bedlington Terrier Copper Toxicosis · COMMD1-associated copper storage disease · Kupferspeicherkrankheit des Bedlington Terriers · Copper storage hepatopathy · COMMD1 deficiency
This is an inherited genetic disorder where a mutation in the COMMD1 gene prevents the liver from properly excreting copper. As a result, copper builds up to toxic levels in the liver cells, causing progressive damage, inflammation (chronic hepatitis), and scarring of the liver tissue.
Owners typically notice symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, sluggishness, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) starting between 2 and 4 years of age. Without intervention, the disease can progress to severe liver failure.
While the condition cannot be cured, it is manageable with lifelong treatment including a low-copper diet, medications to bind copper, and zinc therapy. Managing this chronic condition requires regular veterinary monitoring and costs between 3,000 and 10,000 EUR.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the General / metabolic.