Copper Toxicosis (CT)


Description: Copper toxicosis (CT) in Westies is a disease due to an inborn error in copper metabolism which allows copper to accumulate in the liver, resulting in cirrhosis of the liver; it is ultimately fatal if not treated.

The disease is not well described clinically in the literature. The disease is usually well advanced before the first clinical signs are observed. Early in the disease, the dog may have elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels. However, these tests are seldom run, because the dog usually does not show signs of clinical disease at this time. As copper continues to accumulate, widespread hepatic necrosis occurs from which the dog will generally recover, although occasionally one may die. The dog may show weight loss, listlessness, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes icterus (jaundice). Eventually, cirrhosis occurs after continued loss of hepatic cells, and the dog may develop ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) and die.

Age of Onset: Onset of clinical signs varies greatly, but they usually occur in dogs four years of age or older. Copper may start to accumulate as early as 5 - 6 months of age.

Diagnosis: At present, the disease can only be diagnosed by liver biopsy using either histopathology or atomic absorption spectrometry.

Treatment: Treatment involves reducing the amount of copper deposited in the liver by using one of the cupruretic agents. Penicillamine and cuprid (2,2,2-tetramine (trien)) are both available and reported to be effective. Zinc acetate, a less expensive potential cupruretic agent, has been shown to be effective and is now being evaluated for Food and Drug Administration approval for use in the dog. It has already been approved for human use. Treatment should be considered if copper levels are 1500 or higher, depending on the age of the dog and the liver profile results. Treatment should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Mode of Inheritance: Although some experimental matings have been made, the definitive mode of inheritance has not been determined for Westies. At present, there is no way to accurately detect carriers of the disease except by test mating.

Abnormal copper accumulation in the liver has been reported in at least 22 breeds of dogs.

For more information, you may wish to contact:

Dr. Larry Thornburg
302 Connaway Hall
1600 Rollins Road
University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
Columbia, Missouri 65211
phone: (573)882-7038
fax: (573)884-5414
email: thornburgL@missouri.edu



***Disclaimer***

Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.


Home/ Breed Information/ WHWTCA Information/ Team Westie/
National Westie Rescue/ Health & Behavior/ Regional Westie Clubs/
Activities for You and Your Westie/ Links/ Site Map