SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF ZINC AND COPPER IN BULL TERRIERS WITH LETHAL ACRODERMATITIS AND TAIL-CHASING BEHAVIOR

Objective-To establish similarities or differences in tissue concentra tions of zinc, copper, and iron in Bull Terriers with lethal acroderma titis (LAD) and tail-chasing behavior (TCB) and to confirm the suspici on that copper is involved in the etiopathogenesis of LAD. Samples-Ser um samples from 29 Bull Terriers (9 control dogs, 6 dogs with LAD, 14 dogs with TCB), and liver and kidney specimens from 2 dogs and 1 and 4 dogs with LAD or TCB, respectively. Procedure-Serum, liver, and kidne y mineral (zinc, copper, and iron) concentrations in Bull Terriers wit h LAD or TCB and in a group of control dogs were analyzed, using flame atomic absorption:after wet ashing technique. Results-Serum zinc and copper concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in dogs with LAD, compared with values for control dogs and dogs with TCB. Liver zinc and copper concentrations were similar to serum values. Kidney zinc and copper c oncentrations were similar among the 3 groups. Serum, liver, and kidne y iron concentrations had a wide range of variability within all 3 gro ups. Conclusion-Copper deficiency is associated with LAD. The primary cause of LAD may be copper deficiency, with zinc involved secondarily. or combined zinc and copper deficiencies. The role of ion deficiency in TCB was not clarified. Clinical Relevance-Serum zinc and copper con centrations should be determined when LAD is suspected.