Hepatic copper concentrations in 546 dogs (1982-2015)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Hepatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Copper-associated hepatitis (CAH) is increasingly diagnosed in dogs.
• Hereditary defects in copper metabolism may be worsened by environmental copper.
• Limited epidemiological data exists on canine hepatic copper ([Cu]H) trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate temporal trends in canine hepatic copper concentrations ([Cu]H).
• To explore associations between [Cu]H, breed, demographics, and hepatitis over 34 years.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 546 archived canine liver specimens.
• Classification by breed (predisposed vs. non-predisposed), time period, and hepatitis presence.
• Quantification of hepatic copper ([Cu]H) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Main Results:

• Median [Cu]H increased significantly from 1982-1988 to 2009-2015 in both predisposed and non-predisposed breeds.
• The proportion of dogs with elevated [Cu]H (>300 μg/g) rose substantially in both groups.
• Median [Cu]H in dogs with hepatitis tripled over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Rising hepatic copper levels correlate with increased CAH diagnoses in dogs.
• Elevated copper concentrations impact both predisposed and non-predisposed breeds.
• Environmental factors likely contribute to the observed increase in canine CAH.