Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Siberian Husky with copper liver disease and low ALT gene variant
By Kim, Christine et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2023·IronHorse VetCare, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Low alanine aminotransferase activity gene variant in a Siberian Husky with copper-associated hepatopathy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old female spayed Siberian Husky was diagnosed with copper-associated liver disease after blood tests showed high levels of copper in her liver, even though her alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were normal. This condition can cause liver damage, but in this case, the dog had a genetic variant that resulted in lower ALT activity, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. The dog showed some liver cell damage under the microscope, but the specific treatment plan wasn't detailed in the report. Understanding this genetic factor is important for managing liver disease in dogs.
People also search for: Siberian Husky liver disease symptoms · low ALT in dogs · copper liver disease treatment in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used as a marker of hepatocellular injury. Increased serum ALT activity due to hepatocyte injury occurs in copper-associated hepatopathy (CuCH) and other necroinflammatory liver conditions. Blood ALT concentrations are frequently used to monitor therapy in cases of CuCH. Low serum ALT activities have been associated with an allele at a CFA13 locus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year-old female spayed Siberian Husky was diagnosed with CuCH (hepatic copper dry weight 2680 µg/g [normal, 120-400 µg/g; toxic, > 1500 µg/g]) and a normal ALT (78 U/L; reference range, 10-125 U/L). Mild hepatocellular necrosis was evident histologically. Genetic testing (Embark) revealed that the dog was heterozygous for the low ALT activity gene allele. CONCLUSIONS: This case report illustrates the clinical implications for diagnosing and managing necroinflammatory liver disease such as CuCH in dogs with a low ALT activity genotype.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37550687/