Serum concentrations of zinc and copper in Bull Terriers with lethal acrodermatitis and tail-chasing behavior

Abstract Objective To establish similarities or differences in tissue concentrations of zinc, copper, and iron in Bull Terriers with lethal acrodermatitis (LAD) and tail-chasing behavior (TCB) and to confirm the suspicion that copper is involved in the etiopathogenesis of LAD. Samples Serum 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 kidney mineral (zinc, copper, and iron) concentrations in Bull Terriers with 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 concentrations were similar among the 3 groups. Serum, liver, and kidney iron concentrations had a wide range of variability within all 3 groups. 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 concentrations should be determined when LAD is suspected. ( Am J Vet Res 1997;58:808–810)