Genetic Disorders in Bedlington Terriers Bedlington terriers are prone to several genetic disorders, including chronic hepatitis caused by a copper metabolism defect in 25% of dogs. They also commonly suffer from retinal dysplasia. Additional disorders include glaucoma, which can cause blindness, and various forms of progressive retinal atrophy leading to vision loss. Owners must be aware of these hereditary health risks for the breed.

1. Genetic Disorders
Bedlington Terrier

2. Introduction
When choosing any breed of dog you must be
aware of potential health concerns
All dogs mixes and pure bred can have health
concerns
The more popular breeds and their mixes will
have more genetic problems listed and more
likely to have puppies with problems .
Make sure your breeder offers a written health
guarantee good for one year.
Have the puppy heath checked at your
Veterinarian

3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Chronic hepatitis is a catch-all diagnosis for a number of
diseases where there is inflammation and death of liver
tissue. Affected dogs develop a slowly progressive liver
disease. There are many possible causes including
viruses, bacterial infection, and some drugs. A familial
predisposition to the development of chronic hepatitis
exists in some breeds, although the cause is unclear.
These breeds are listed below.
In Bedlington terriers an inherited defect in the
metabolism of copper is known to cause chronic
hepatitis (copper-associated hepatitis/copper toxicosis in
Bedlington terriers). It is estimated that 25% of
Bedlington terriers have the disorder, and 50% are
carriers (ie. they will not become ill, but can transmit the
disorder to their offspring).

4. Eye Disorders
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in dogs. It is the result of
increased fluid pressure within the eye (elevated intraocular
pressure or IOP). If the pressure can not be reduced, there will be
permanent damage to the retina and optic nerve resulting in visual
impairment. Complete blindness can occur within 24 hours if the
IOP is extremely elevated or can occur slowly over weeks or months
if the elevation is mild. Glaucoma is usually very painful. It is
considered a medical emergency Unfortunately it is not usually
apparent until dogs reach 3 year of age .
Cataracts: Can be congenital, juvenile or as a result of old age
Retinal dysplasia: The condition is present from birth. At 3 to 4
weeks of age, the breeder may notice that severely affected pups
are less active and frequently bump into objects. A veterinarian will
be best able to examine the pup's eyes for this condition with an
ophthalmoscope at 12 to 16 weeks of age, when the retina is mature

5. Eye Disorders
Progressive retinal atrophy: deterioration of the retinal cells causes blindness.
Generalized PRA - early onset: The first sign is generally failing night vision, as
early as 6 weeks of age, and this progresses to complete loss of vision by about 1 - 2
years of age. Collies may retain some vision until the age of 2 - 3 years. In miniature
schnauzers, poor night vision usually develops later (6 months to a year) and there is
advanced loss of vision by 3 to 4 years. Affected Alaskan malamutes are day-blind
(hemeralopia) at 8 to 10 weeks of age; night vision is never affected.
Generalized PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration) - late onset: Generally
night blindness is noticed between 2 and 5 years of age (depending on the breed)
progressing to total blindness within a year or so. Peripheral vision is lost first.
Central PRA (CPRA) - retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (RPED): Loss of vision
occurs much more slowly than in generalized PRA, without initial night blindness.
Affected dogs may not lose vision completely. Because the changes are in the centre
of the retina, affected dogs initially have trouble locating still objects in bright light.

6. In Conclusion
Bedlington Terriers have 5 health concerns Disorders relatively
common in this breed are : Chronic Hepatitis , Retinal Dysplasia
Note above disorder(s) is very common in this breed. Do not take
lightly the other disorders. Some are very serious .
Information for this presentation as a public service provided by:
www.delayrekennel.com with information provided by :
A joint initiative of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the
Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, and
the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association..
Permission is granted to reprint pages from the database, provided
that credit is given as follows: Crook A et al. 2011. Canine Inherited
Disorders Database
Wikipedia Photos

7. About the Presenter
Member of the Canine Ambassador Program with Orange Empire
Dog Club. Educating people in the joy canines bring into our lives
through their relationship, interaction, and unconditional love.
Pet Professional specializing in the training of puppies in Sun Valley
since 1974 .
Breeder of Silky Terriers and Wire Fox Terriers
My boarding, training and breeding kennel was awarded Small
Business of the Year 2000
Better Business Bureau A+ rating
I have owned and/or bred 21 Conformation Champions including 6
International Champions
Member and former Vice President of the City of Angels Silky
Terrier Club
Past President of Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce
Have also served on the boards of Associated Terrier Breeders,
Animal Safe Haven Foundation, United Chambers of Commerce