Copper Storage Disease In Dogs Diet

Copper is absorbed from the diet in the small intestines and transported to the liver.

Copper storage disease in dogs diet.

Dogs require copper in the diet to form strong bones nerve coverings and connective tissue. In health copper plays a role in the formation of a dog s bones connective tissue collagen and myelin the protective covering of nerves. In dogs with copper storage disease excess copper is not excreted accumulates within the liver cells and causes damage. Copper also helps the body absorb iron making it an important part of red blood cell function.

In normal dogs excess copper is excreted from the liver in the bile and ultimately in the feces. Copper storage disease in dogs is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of chelated copper in the animal s liver. Some dogs aren t able to properly metabolize copper in the liver usually resulting from a genetic metabolic disorder. A new paper links copper storage disease in dogs to aafco s change in copper supplements in pet food back in 1997.

Excessive and prolonged exposure over time leads to cirrhosis and possible death. These dogs might develop copper storage disease also known as copper. The ideal amount of dietary copper for dogs with copper associated liver disease is unknown but likely depends on the amount of copper in the liver the amount of copper in the previous diet the time frame over which the copper built up in the liver and whether or not penicillamine or other medications are being used. Copper is not a nutrient that many owners contemplate until it is associated with disease.

This leads to progressive damage and scarring of the liver.