Copper hepatopathy, or copper buildup in the liver, is increasingly diagnosed in dogs, either as a primary condition or secondary to other liver diseases. Certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Bedlington Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers are particularly prone. This article explores the potential causes, treatments, and dietary management of copper hepatopathy, focusing on the role of Hill's l/d therapeutic diet and other strategies.
The Rising Incidence of Copper Hepatopathy
The apparent increase in copper hepatopathy cases over the past decade raises questions about contributing factors. While the exact reasons remain speculative, nutritional factors are suspected. Many commercial dog foods may contain excessive copper levels. Copper is vital for various bodily functions, including energy production, red blood cell formation, and maintaining healthy cartilage and blood vessels. The recommended copper intake for adult dogs is about 1.8 mg per 1000 kcals, while puppies need around 3.1 mg per 1000 kcals. However, many dog foods contain 6-10 mg per 1000 kcals, or even higher.
Copper Sources in Dog Food: A Shift in Standards
The source of copper in dog food has evolved over time. In the late 1990s, cupric oxide, a common copper source, was banned. Copper sulfate became the standard. Newer mineral forms called chelates have emerged, combining trace minerals like copper with organic molecules like gluconate or amino acids. Chelates have better absorption rates, approximately 10-30% more than copper sulfate. High-quality dog foods often use these chelates but may not adjust for the increased absorption. While this isn't typically a problem for most dogs, it's worth considering for breeds prone to copper buildup.
Treatment Options for Copper Hepatopathy
Several treatments can help dogs with copper buildup in their liver. A common approach is a low-copper diet. Dogs with severe copper buildup and liver damage may require additional therapies to remove copper from the liver cells more rapidly and improve liver function. These include:
- D-penicillamine: This medication binds to copper, facilitating its elimination through urine. It is often prescribed with vitamin B6 to prevent a deficiency. Side effects can include stomach upset.
- Zinc: This mineral reduces copper absorption from the diet by trapping it in the gut. High doses can cause stomach upset and even anemia.
- Denamarin® or Denosyl®: These supplements contain SAMe, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals produced by copper in the liver, reducing damage to liver cells. They may cause stomach upset in some cases.
- Vitamin E: Another antioxidant, generally well-tolerated, helps protect cells.
Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatments and understand potential side effects.
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Dietary Management: Hill's l/d and Royal Canin Hepatic Support
Two pet food brands offer diets specifically designed for controlling copper without adding extra copper beyond what's naturally present in the ingredients: Hill's l/d therapeutic diet and Royal Canin Hepatic Support. Available in canned or dry form, these diets are commonly used to manage copper buildup in the liver.
Royal Canin Hepatic Support has been extensively studied in Labradors with primary copper disease. A study showed that after treatment with D-penicillamine, liver copper levels remained low for about 9 months. The study also examined whether adding 10 mg/kg of zinc gluconate, which inhibits copper absorption, alongside the diet, provided additional benefits. The results indicated that zinc did not offer extra benefits compared to using a low-copper diet alone. These diets typically contain about 1.2-1.3 mg of copper per 1000 kcals and are considered a preferred choice by veterinarians.
Finding commercial diets with such low copper levels in regular pet stores can be challenging because the American Association of Feed Control Officials regulates pet food sales state by state, requiring a minimum of 1.8 mg of copper per 1000 kcals. However, some diets approach this level without added copper during manufacturing. Voyager Dog Foods, a company founded by a veterinarian, produces such diets to address this specific need.
Homemade Diet Options for Copper Hepatopathy
When dogs refuse to eat commercial dog food, alternative dietary plans are necessary. When dealing with a straightforward case, such as a young to middle-aged dog diagnosed with the disease, creating a diet plan is relatively easy if we follow some basic guidelines:
- No organ meats
- No complex grains
- No shellfish
- No mushrooms
- Fewer green leafy vegetables
With these guidelines, balanced diet plans can be formulated using an all-in-one supplement from Balanceit.com. Balance It® Canine-Cu is a supplement designed to ensure proper nutrient intake without added copper.
Read also: Dog Digestive Care with Hill's i/d
Here are three sample diet plans (approximately 300 kcals each) with relatively low copper content:
BEEF (~300 kcals)
- Pan-cooked 95% lean ground beef: 3 oz (85gr)
- Cooked Long grain White rice or couscous: 1/2 cup (79 gr)
- Vegetable oil (soybean): 1 tsp
- Fish Oil - Nordic naturals or Welactin: 1/2 tsp
- Balance It® Canine-Cu: 2 tsp
- Copper per 1000 kcals: ~0.4 mg
CHICKEN (~300 Kcals)
- Oven Roasted Chicken breast: 3 oz (85 gr)
- Cooked Long grain White rice or couscous: 1/2 cup (79 gr)
- Vegetable oil (soybean): 1 tsp
- Fish Oil - Nordic naturals or Welactin: 1/2 tsp
- Balance It® Canine-Cu: 2 tsp
- Copper per 1000 kcals: ~0.3 mg
SALMON (~300 kcals)
- Oven baked Salmon: 3 oz (85 gr)
- Cooked Long grain White rice or couscous: 1/2 cup (79 gr)
- Vegetable oil (soybean): ¾ tsp
- Balance It® Canine-Cu: 2 tsp
- Copper per 1000 kcals: ~0.4 mg
Note: All meat weights are for cooked meat. tsp = teaspoon
These diet plans support a dog's health during treatment and beyond, especially when dealing with primary copper-related hepatopathy.
Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of homemade diet to feed based on the dog's current calorie intake. Regular weigh-ins are essential, and adjustments to the proportions may be necessary if the dog is gaining or losing weight.
Additional Considerations
As with any medical change for your dog, it's essential to consult with your vet to determine if a particular approach suits your dog's condition and stage of disease. They can advise on any concerns regarding feeding commercial or homemade foods.
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