Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lead and copper levels in dog livers with chronic hepatitis and blood
By Gori, Eleonora et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2021·Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hepatic lead and copper concentrations in dogs with chronic hepatitis and their relationship with hematology, serum biochemistry, and histopathology.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 34 dogs with chronic hepatitis (a long-term liver condition) had their liver lead and copper levels tested to see if there was a connection with their blood health and liver damage. The study found that dogs with higher copper levels also had significantly higher lead levels in their livers. Interestingly, dogs with smaller red blood cells (microcytosis) had more lead than those with normal-sized cells. While the exact impact of lead on liver health needs more research, it appears that dogs with liver issues and high copper levels might also be dealing with higher lead levels.
People also search for: dog chronic hepatitis symptoms · lead poisoning in dogs · dog liver disease treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the influence of copper ([Cu]) on chronic hepatitis (CH) has been widely studied in dogs, little information is available about the accumulation of other metals. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: We assessed the concentration of lead ([Pb]) in the livers of dogs with CH with or without abnormal hepatic [Cu] to establish if any association existed between [Pb] and either hematologic or biochemical variables, fibrosis, necrosis and inflammation of the liver on histology. ANIMALS: Thirty-four dogs with CH that had hepatic [Cu] and [Pb] determined. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of dogs with CH and hepatic [Cu] and [Pb]. Chronic hepatitis was defined using current American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement guidelines. Hepatic [Cu] and [Pb] were determined using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on [Cu]: <400 ppm (LoCu) and ≥400 ppm (HiCu). RESULTS: The median [Cu] and [Pb] were 357 ppm (range, 100-7743 ppm) and 58.7 (range, 6.89-224.4 ppm), respectively. Nineteen dogs had LoCu and 15 dogs had HiCu. Median [Pb] was significantly higher in HiCu compared to LoCu dogs (P < .001). Hepatic [Pb] and [Cu] were significantly correlated (rho = 0.7; P < .001). Dogs with microcytosis had higher [Pb] than did dogs with normal red cell volume (P = .02). Hepatic [Pb] was not correlated with either necroinflammatory or fibrosis scores. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although additional studies are needed to better understand the clinical role of hepatic [Pb], dogs with abnormal hepatic [Cu] may also have higher hepatic [Pb]. In addition, in dogs with high hepatic [Pb], microcytosis may be present.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34021627/