Most standard diagnostic laboratories are not equipped to perform quantitative tissue copper analysis. It requires atomic absorption spectrophotometry and use of standardized control tissues. I strongly recommend that this analysis be performed at one of the following two laboratories.
The tissue is obtained by liver biopsy obtained through a small (2-3 cm) abdominal incision and is diagnostic for Bedlington terriers older than six months. It is important that an adequate quantity of tissue be obtained. In order to perform a quantitative analysis, the amount of tissue required is larger than can be obtained with a needle biopsy. A small piece, several grams in weight (approximately the size of a kidney bean), is needed. I recommend that a slightly larger sample be taken with a portion reserved just in case the original sample is lost in the mail or by the lab. This will avoid the remote possibility of having to repeat the biopsy.
The tissue is fixed in formalin (approximately 15 ml), not frozen, and sent to one of the following laboratories by regular mail. You should request both a Quantitative (numerical determination of the parts per million copper content -- less than 400 PPM is normal) and Qualitative analysis to determine the distribution of the copper and if any associated liver disease exists.
Dr. Larry Thornburg
Dept. of Veterinary Pathology
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65205
(573) 882-7038
cost: $40.00
Dr. Terry Spraker
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
College of Veterinary Medicine
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-1281
cost: $30.00