Hepatic Copper Storage Disease Dogs

Clinical signs are variable as some pets may not have any clinical signs while others may have severe neurological deficits secondary to liver dysfunction.

Hepatic copper storage disease dogs.

Excessive copper storage in the liver is caused by a genetic abnormality. Copper storage disease csd is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. Copper storage hepatopathy is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of copper in the animal s liver which leads to progressive damage and scarring of the liver cirrhosis. Excessive and prolonged exposure over time leads to cirrhosis and possible death.

Bedlington terriers doberman pinschers west highland white terriers skye terriers and labrador retrievers are dog breeds known to be susceptible to this disease. Some medications and diet change can help to stop the accumulation of copper in the liver. This condition may be secondary to a primary disease or the result of genetic based abnormal copper metabolism. Over time even mild conditions can cause scarring of the liver and eventually cirrhosis and end stage liver disease.

This leads to progressive damage and scarring of the liver.