Some dogs aren t able to properly metabolize copper in the liver usually resulting from a genetic metabolic disorder.
Copper storage disease in dogs diet.
It also aids in iron absorption.
Excessive and prolonged exposure over time leads to cirrhosis and possible death.
Copper storage disease csd is being diagnosed with increasing frequency.
These dogs might develop copper storage disease also known as copper.
In dogs with copper storage disease excess copper is not excreted accumulates within the liver cells and causes damage.
Copper is absorbed from the diet in the small intestines and transported to the liver.
Copper storage disease in dogs is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of chelated copper in the animal s liver.
Copper also helps the body absorb iron making it an important part of red blood cell function.
A dramatic increase in liver disease in dogs has been linked to association of american feed control officials aafco dog food nutrient requirements the very same requirements that classifies dog food as complete and balanced.
Copper is not a nutrient that many owners contemplate until it is associated with disease.
In normal dogs excess copper is excreted from the liver in the bile and ultimately in the feces.
A new paper links copper storage disease in dogs to aafco s change in copper supplements in pet food back in 1997.
This leads to progressive damage and scarring of the liver.