Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Copper-related chronic liver disease in dogs explained
By den Boer, Elise R et al.·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2025·Department of Clinical Sciences, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Copper-associated Chronic Hepatitis in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Copper-associated hepatitis is a liver disease that can affect dogs, often due to a mix of genetics and how much copper they eat. Certain breeds, like Bedlington terriers, Dobermanns, Labrador retrievers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland White terriers, and Dalmatians, are more likely to develop this condition because of specific genetic mutations. To catch this disease early and prevent serious liver damage, a liver biopsy and measuring copper levels in the liver are important. For breeds at risk, genetic testing and careful breeding practices can help reduce the chances of this disease occurring.
Abstract
Copper-associated hepatitis is a common cause of primary liver disease in dogs, generally caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, such as dietary copper intake. Several mutations involving the genes ATPase copper transporting alpha, ATPase copper transporting beta, and copper metabolism domain containing 1 partly explain heritability in certain breeds. Predisposed breeds include Bedlington terriers, Dobermanns, Labrador retrievers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, West Highland White terriers, and Dalmatians. Early diagnosis through liver biopsy and copper quantification is critical to prevent cirrhosis. Genetic testing and selective breeding can help manage risk in predisposed breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41076361/