Vet Guide to Copper Storage Disease in Dogs 2025 🐶🧬

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Copper storage disease (also called copper-associated hepatopathy) arises when excessive copper accumulates in the liver due to genetic defects or high dietary intake, leading to inflammation, liver damage, anemia, and potentially liver failure if untreated.

📍 Causes & At-Risk Breeds

• Genetic predisposition: Mutations impair copper excretion, notably COMMD1 in Bedlington Terriers and ATP7B-like defects in Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels, Dalmatians, Labs, Westies, and Skye Terriers.
• Secondary accumulation: Occurs with chronic cholestatic liver disease or excessive dietary/environmental copper.

⚠️ Clinical Signs

• Early stages are often silent; flagged by elevated liver enzymes.
• Progressive signs: lethargy, weight loss, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking/urination, jaundice, ascites, pale gums, dark urine, easy bleeding, neurological flashes like seizures.

🔬 Diagnosis

• Blood tests reveal liver enzyme elevations and abnormalities.
• Genetic screening identifies carriers or affected dogs before clinical signs.
• Liver biopsy with copper quantification is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.

💊 Treatment & Management

• Chelation therapy: D‑penicillamine binds excess copper, excreted in urine—may require months to years.
• Low‑copper diet: Prescription hepatic diets limit further accumulation.
• Zinc supplementation: Blocks copper absorption; useful as an adjunct or maintenance therapy.
• Supportive liver therapy: Include SAMe, milk thistle, and ursodiol for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

📈 Prognosis & Lifelong Care

• Best outcomes when treatment begins early; lifelong therapy is typically needed for genetic cases.
• Breeds without genetic predisposition may recover fully after treatment of secondary causes.
• Monitor via routine bloodwork, liver enzyme panels, copper levels, and imaging.

✅ Vet Tips by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

• 🎯 Screen at-risk breeds early via biopsy or genetic test to allow prompt intervention.
• 💡 Use prescription hepatic diets and chelation early to moderate copper accumulation.
• 🩺 Monitor liver enzymes every 3–6 months to adjust treatment.
• 🛑 Avoid high-copper foods (liver, shellfish) and exposures in predisposed dogs.
• 🔁 Maintain zinc and antioxidant therapy long-term to protect the liver.

If your dog is of a susceptible breed or shows signs like increased liver enzymes, jaundice or abdominal swelling, connect via AskAVet.com for specialized advice.🐾❤️