| Copper storage hepatopathy is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of copper in a dog’s liver, which leads to progressive damage and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). This condition may be secondary to a primary disease or the result of genetic based abnormal copper metabolism. Dog breeds known to be susceptible to this disease are Bedlington terriers, Doberman pinschers, West Highland White terriers, Skye terriers and Labrador retrievers. Copper storage hepatopathy is more prevalent in females than in males. |  |
Causes
The excess accumulation of copper in the liver may be caused by an abnormal binding of copper to certain proteins in the liver or abnormal secreting of copper in the bile.
Types
Primary copper liver diseases generally fall into one of three categories:
Subclinical disease – a condition where the disease is present in the organ or body, but not detectable by abnormal signs or changes in the dog
Acute (sudden) disease – most frequently affects young dogs and associated with a condition that causes the death of liver tissue
Chronic progressive disease – symptoms are often observed in middle aged and older dogs with chronic hepatitis, with damage and scarring of the liver
Secondary copper liver diseases show symptoms of progressive signs of liver disease due to chronic hepatitis or progressive cirrhosis. Liver disease in which the flow of bile is slowed or stopped is known as cholestatic liver disease. The abnormal flow of bile results in secondary copper retention.
Subclinical disease – a condition where the disease is present in the organ or body, but not detectable by abnormal signs or changes in the dog
Acute (sudden) disease – most frequently affects young dogs and associated with a condition that causes the death of liver tissue
Chronic progressive disease – symptoms are often observed in middle aged and older dogs with chronic hepatitis, with damage and scarring of the liver
Secondary copper liver diseases show symptoms of progressive signs of liver disease due to chronic hepatitis or progressive cirrhosis. Liver disease in which the flow of bile is slowed or stopped is known as cholestatic liver disease. The abnormal flow of bile results in secondary copper retention.
Symptoms
Acute:
Chronic:
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Dark urine due to the presence of bilirubin
- Depression
- Hemoglobin in the urine
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
Chronic:
- Abdominal distention due to fluid build up
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Dark urine due to the presence of bilirubin
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Hemoglobin in the urine
- Jaundice
- Lethargy
- Nervous system dysfunction due to the liver being unable to break down ammonia in the body
- Spontaneous bleeding, black or tarry stools
- Vomiting
Diagnosis
Tests including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count and a urinalysis will be conducted along with a history of your dog’s health.
Treatment
Copper storage disease requires lifelong therapy. With early identification and appropriate treatments, dogs are often able to lead normal, high quality lives.
Penicillamine is administered to help the body get rid of the excess copper that has accumulated in the liver. Dogs are also placed on a low copper diet to reduce further accumulation of copper in the body.
Supplements many be recommended to support liver tissue, such as Vitamin E, s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or milk thistle.
Penicillamine is administered to help the body get rid of the excess copper that has accumulated in the liver. Dogs are also placed on a low copper diet to reduce further accumulation of copper in the body.
Supplements many be recommended to support liver tissue, such as Vitamin E, s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or milk thistle.
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