Understanding Copper Storage Disease in Dogs

Copper storage disease in dogs is also called copper-associated hepatopathy. It means too much copper builds up in the liver. This can cause liver inflammation and failure, hurting the dog’s health¹. Usually, dogs with this condition don’t show symptoms until it’s quite advanced¹. The disease often comes from a genetic problem that stops the liver from getting rid of extra copper¹. Breeds like Bedlington terriers, Labrador retrievers, and Dalmatians are more at risk because of their genes².

Doctors usually find copper storage disease in dogs by accident during routine tests³. Look for signs like not wanting to eat, weight loss, belly pain, throwing up, yellow skin, or drinking and peeing more³. A liver biopsy is the best way to check how much copper is in the liver³.

To treat dogs with copper storage disease, vets suggest D-penicillamine therapy, a special diet, and zinc supplements¹. These treatments help lower copper in the liver and boost liver health. Medicines that grab onto and remove copper are used, and a special diet reduces copper intake². Supplements like SAMe, vitamin E, milk thistle, and zinc may help the liver, though it’s not certain if zinc cuts down copper absorption².

To check if treatments are working, vets monitor the dog’s health, liver tests, and may repeat the liver biopsy². It’s important for pet owners to closely follow their vet’s advice on the best treatment and supplements for their dog².

Key Takeaways:

• Copper storage disease in dogs is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of copper in the liver, leading to liver inflammation and failure¹.
• Symptoms may not be noticeable until the disease has advanced significantly¹.
• The disease can be caused by an inherited genetic mutation that impairs the liver’s ability to eliminate excess copper¹.
• Treatment options include D-penicillamine therapy, low-copper diet, and zinc supplementation¹.
• Regular monitoring and veterinary guidance are essential for managing the disease and improving the dog’s prognosis².

What Is Copper Storage Disease in Dogs?

Copper storage disease, or copper-associated hepatopathy, happens when too much copper gathers in a dog’s liver. This mineral is usually good for dogs. However, too much can cause liver problems. If not treated, it can lead to liver failure or even death. This condition is common in dogs and needs immediate medical attention. Knowing the signs and getting help quickly is vital.

The Role of Copper in a Dog’s Health

Copper is necessary for taking up iron, making red blood cells, and keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy¹.

With this disease, a dog’s liver can’t get rid of the extra copper, causing it to build up. Over time, this harms liver cells and stops them from working right. It’s seen more in certain breeds like Bedlington Terriers and Doberman Pinschers. Both male and female dogs can get sick¹³.

Often, dogs don’t show they’re sick until it’s severe¹. Signs include losing weight, drinking and peeing more, and not wanting to eat. They may also be tired, have jaundice, or get anemia. Vomiting and diarrhea can happen too¹. Catching it early through checkups and tests is key. A liver biopsy is the sure way to diagnose it¹³.

Copper Storage Disease Symptoms in Dogs

Signs of copper storage disease in dogs might not show up until it’s quite developed. Often seen symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Anemia

Dogs can have stomach problems like throwing up and diarrhea. Since other liver issues show similar signs, it’s key to get your vet’s help for a correct check-up if your dog shows these symptoms.¹

Noticing these signs early and acting quickly is very important. If not treated, copper storage disease can cause big health issues.

Causes of Copper Storage Disease in Dogs

Copper storage disease in dogs has genetic and dietary roots. A genetic mutation makes it tough for the liver to get rid of extra copper. This issue is often found in Bedlington Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers¹.

Another cause is too much copper in a dog’s diet. Foods rich in copper like beans, potatoes, and shellfish can be harmful if not balanced by a vet. This can lead to high copper levels in the liver¹.

Owners of dogs at risk need to watch their pet’s copper intake. Regular check-ups with a vet can prevent diet-related copper buildup in the liver.

It’s also essential to stop the spread of the genetic mutation. Breeders should avoid mating dogs with this mutation. Doing so can lower the chance of copper storage disease in vulnerable breeds¹.

Breeds Predisposed to Copper Storage Disease

Note: The table only includes a few breeds predisposed to copper storage disease. There may be other breeds that are at risk as well.

Diagnosing Copper Storage Disease in Dogs

Finding out if a dog has Copper Storage Disease, or Canine Hepatopathy, needs careful steps. It starts with looking at the dog’s symptoms and checking its health. Vets talk to the pet’s owner to learn about the dog’s past health, which helps see if the breed is prone to this illness¹.

To confirm Copper Storage Disease in Dogs, tests are key. Blood tests and liver biopsy are common ways to check. Blood tests look at how well the liver works and spot problems. They include checks on liver enzymes and other important health signs. DNA tests can also find if the dog has the gene that causes the disease¹³. Sometimes, a liver biopsy is done to get a clearer answer. This test takes a tiny piece of liver to check for too much copper¹.

In a liver biopsy, experts measure the copper and look for disease signs. They check if copper is more than usual and look at the liver’s structure. This helps tell Copper Storage Disease apart from other liver problems. Knowing exactly what’s wrong helps plan the best treatment⁴.

Diagnosing Copper Storage Disease in Dogs is tough because its signs can look like other liver issues. Just seeing signs doesn’t confirm the disease. The right diagnosis comes from matching signs, history, and test results. This way, vets can treat the dog to improve its health¹³.

Treatment Options for Copper Storage Disease in Dogs

Treating Copper Storage Disease in Dogs means cutting down copper in the liver. Treatment choices include copper chelation therapy and diets low in copper. Dogs may need one method or both, depending on their condition.

Copper Chelation Therapy: A key treatment for Copper Storage Disease in Dogs is copper chelation therapy. It uses medicine to attach to excess copper, aiding its removal through urine. The aim is to lower copper in the liver and stop more harm. This treatment could take months to years, with regular copper level checks needed to tweak the plan as needed¹.

Low-copper Diet: Another way to fight Copper Storage Disease in Dogs is with a low-copper diet. It involves special dog food with less copper to lower its buildup in the liver. Such a diet could be store-bought or homemade, overseen by a vet. The aim is to reduce copper consumption while keeping the dog healthy. Watching the dog’s nutrition closely is key¹.

Supplements like SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), milk thistle, and ursodiol might be suggested too. They could protect the liver and ease inflammation. But, talking to a vet before starting any supplement is crucial¹.

Dogs with Copper Storage Disease need regular vet checks. This helps keep an eye on the dog’s status and the treatment’s success. Managing this disease is a lifelong commitment to keep the liver healthy. The treatment plan is often custom-fit for the dog’s specific needs and disease stage¹.

Management and Prognosis for Dogs with Copper Storage Disease

Copper storage disease is something dogs have to live with forever. It needs ongoing care to stop the disease from getting worse. While treatment helps lower copper in the liver, getting rid of it completely is often not doable¹. The main aim is to reduce copper storage and help the liver work better. This involves using medicines for a long time, changing the dog’s diet, and adding supplements that help the liver.

Keeping an eye on liver enzymes and copper levels is key to managing this disease. This helps vets see how well treatments are working and if any changes are needed. By checking enzymes like ALT and ALP, vets can check liver health and spot any disease signs early⁵. Also, keeping track of copper levels ensures treatments are effective and copper doesn’t build up too much.

The chance of dogs with this disease getting better varies. It depends on how early the disease is found and how the dog responds to treatment. Finding and treating the disease early gives dogs a better chance of a good life¹. The sooner treatment starts, the easier it is to manage copper buildup and liver issues. Still, results can differ for each dog.

What dogs eat is very important in managing this disease. A diet low in copper helps lessen how much copper the liver has to deal with¹. Vets may suggest special commercial foods or homemade meals that have what dogs need but little copper. It’s really important to follow the diet closely and not give foods high in copper like beans, potatoes, and shellfish unless the vet says it’s okay.

Adding supplements that support liver health can also help. Things like antioxidants may improve liver function and overall health. But, always talk to a vet before giving any supplements to make sure they’re safe and will work.

Managing copper storage disease well means doing several things: giving the right meds, feeding the right diet, and checking up regularly. While curing the disease completely might not be possible, with good care, dogs can still enjoy life¹. Working closely with a vet to tweak the treatment plan as needed is crucial for giving dogs with copper storage disease the best care possible.

Prevention of Copper Storage Disease in Dogs

Even though we can’t fully stop copper storage disease in dogs, we can lessen its effects. Screening early, especially for certain breeds, helps catch the disease quickly. A low-copper diet and early treatment can slow down the disease from getting worse³.

Stopping the spread of this disease starts with responsible breeding. Not breeding dogs with the disease-causing gene reduces its spread. This way, fewer dogs will suffer from copper storage disease in the future³.

Choosing the right food is critical to managing copper levels in dogs at risk. Working with a vet to find the best diet can avoid high-copper foods. Some special diets help dogs with liver issues by keeping copper intake low¹³.

Seeing a vet regularly is key to keeping the disease under control. They can catch the disease early and start treatment sooner. Routine tests also track liver health and copper levels, allowing for quick action when needed³.

To wrap up, proactive steps like early checks, wise breeding, careful feeding, and vet visits can greatly help. Although stopping the disease completely may not be possible, these actions can greatly reduce its harm. Together, dog owners and vets can protect dogs, ensuring they lead healthier lives¹³.

Conclusion

Copper storage disease is a significant liver issue in dogs, leading to severe health problems. It happens when too much copper piles up in the liver. This can cause liver inflammation and damage. Dogs can get it from their genes or too much copper in their food. Catching it early and treating it properly helps dogs live better lives.

⁶In a study with 17 dogs, certain breeds like terriers and German Shepherds were more likely to get this disease. The study also found it in breeds not noted before, like American Staffordshire Terriers and Beaucerons. Common symptoms included high liver enzymes and a liver that looked uneven on scans. The study also looked at liver biopsy samples under the microscope.

⁴For Bedlington terriers, signs of the disease usually show up when they are 2 to 4 years old. High levels of a liver enzyme, ALT, are a warning sign. Tests can show if the liver isn’t working right because of too much copper. Some treatments can remove excess copper, especially in some dog breeds. Problems with bile flow can also make copper build up.

⁷An autopsy on 55 dogs found that about 29% died from too much copper in their livers. The amount of copper in the liver varied, depending on the liver disease. Tumors in the liver also had signs of rapid cell growth. It’s vital to control the diet of dogs with copper problems, whether they’re born with it or get it elsewhere.

Dealing with copper storage disease means lifelong care to stop it from getting worse and to keep the liver healthy. Using treatments like removing copper from the body and feeding a special diet can help. Dogs need to see the vet often for check-ups. Knowing about the disease helps dog owners take good care of their furry friends.

Source Links

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/copper-storage-disease-dogs
2. https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/10/copper-associated-liver-disease-in-dogs/
3. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=9810003&pid=19239
4. https://www.dvm360.com/view/diagnosing-and-treating-canine-copper-associated-hepatopathies
5. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/internal-medicine/copper-hepatopathy-in-dogs/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7419071/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316235/