Whether from inflammatory hepatic disease or an inherited metabolic defect, copper accumulation can lead to hepatocellular damage and even cirrhosis. Treatment can successfully mitigate or even reverse copper-associated changes. In the past 30 years,the impact of copper accumulation on hepatic function in dogs has received considerable attention. In some terrier breeds, an inherited metabolic defect compromises copper excretion; in other breeds, primary inflammatory hepatic disease may facilitate copper accumulation because of chronic cholestasis. Although substantial variability exists in patient presentation and the amount of copper accumulated, specific therapies aimed at reducing hepatic copper concentrations appear to be beneficial. In this article, we review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, definitive diagnosis, and treatment of copper-associated hepatopathies in dogs.
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