Background: The incidence of canine copper associated hepatopathy has increased. While genetic predispositions for hepatic copper accumulation exist, environmental exposure through dietary excess could be a risk factor.Hypothesis/
Objectives: To describe demographics and hepatic histopathology in dogs with hepatic biopsy copper quantification and to explore dietary risk factors in a cohort of dogs with normal (NHC) and high hepatic copper (HHC). Animals: Retrospective study of 302 dogs with hepatic biopsies including copper quantification (2014-2023) at an academic institution.
Methods: Breed, sex, spay-neuter status, age, histopathologic findings, and hepatic copper quantification by atomic absorption spectroscopy were recorded. Diet histories were obtained from records and phone interview for 2 cohorts of dogs with NHC (n=36) and HHC (n=33).
Results: 171/302 (56%) of dogs had HHC (>400 PPM) and these dogs often had inflammatory/fibrotic disease. There was no difference in age, sex or neuter status between NHC or HHC dogs. 34% of HHC dogs were mixed breed. More HHC dogs (66%) than NHC dogs (13%) drank private well water (p < 0.004). Most dogs had a history of multiple diets, treats, and supplements; however, more HHC dogs (45%) than NHC dogs (28%) had a history of high copper ingredients throughout their diet. Conclusions and Clinical Importance There is a high incidence of HHC levels in many breeds. Retrospectively quantifying accurate dietary copper intake was challenging but helped to define relevant information to gather in future prospective studies including drinking water sources, geographic information, and copper content from current and previously fed diets, treats, and supplements.
