Copper Toxicosis · Copper Storage Hepatopathy · Kupfer-Speicherkrankheit · Copper Storage Disease · Labrador Copper Toxicosis · Kupfer-Akkumulations-Hepatopathie · Kupfer-assoziierte Hepatitis · Copper-associated hepatitis
Copper toxicosis is an inherited metabolic disorder where the liver is unable to properly excrete copper, which is a mineral found in normal dog food. This causes copper to build up to toxic levels in the liver cells, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive tissue damage. Over time, this accumulation can result in liver failure if left untreated.
Owners may notice gradual signs of liver dysfunction, such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, or a yellowish tint to the skin and gums. These symptoms typically become apparent in middle-aged dogs, usually between 2 and 6 years of age.
While the condition is treatable, it requires lifelong management including a strict low-copper diet, copper-binding medications, and regular veterinary monitoring. The lifetime cost of managing this chronic condition typically ranges from 3,000 to 12,000 EUR.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the General / metabolic.