Disorder - Copper Storage Disease

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Copper Toxicosis (Dogs)
Hepatic Copper Toxicosis (Dogs)
Hepatolenticular Degeneration (Human), Wilson disease (Human)
Copper Storage Hepatitis (Dogs)
Copper Hepatoxicosis (Dogs)
Copper-associated Hepatopathy (Dogs)
Copper Storage Disease (Dogs)

Brief Description

Due to abnormal metabolism, copper accumulates in the body and causes poisoning (toxicity) mainly in the liver and the brain, resulting in liver disease and nervous system problems.

Presenting Signs

The canine disease, copper toxicosis differs genetically from the human form, Wilson disease. However, both produce similar symptoms and are treated in similar ways. Copper toxicosis falls into three categories, the first being the asymptomatic form, in which young dogs do not show any signs, as copper has not accumulated enough to cause toxicity. The second or acute form is when dogs of up to six years of age have a high copper accumulation within the liver, and show signs associated with liver disease such as depression, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice and vomiting. In the advanced stage of the disease, fluid may accumulate around the abdomen. The third or chronic form affects middle-aged to older dogs, and signs are similar to the acute group but less severe. Other common clinical signs include ongoing weight loss and deterioration of general condition. Stressful events, either physical or psychological, such as whelping, being shown, shipping, or a change in environment, may precipitate these episodes.

Groups Affected
Non Sporting
Terrier
Utility


Breeds Affected
Bedlington terrier
Dalmatian
Dobermann
West Highland white terrier


Treatment

Medical

PubMed References
Copper Storage Disease

Contributor
Michelle Tolhurst