Wilson's disease in dogs, also called copper storage hepatopathy, is a genetic disorder where the liver can't properly excrete copper, causing toxic buildup leading to chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis), fibrosis, and potential neurological issues, affecting breeds like Bedlington Terriers, Labradors, and Dobermans. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, appetite loss, and neurological signs, requiring lifelong management with special diets and medications to control copper levels.
Dogs with copper storage disease on average survive about 18 months after diagnosis. This is highly variable and depends on the disease's severity at the time of diagnosis. The more advanced the condition is when it is diagnosed, the shorter the dog's expected lifespan.
These numbers shown that whereas WD is a rare disease in humans, it is fairly frequent in dogs. Homozygous and heterozygous mutations in the ATP7A gene (ATP7A:c980C>Y) and in the ATP7B gene (ATP7B:c4358G>A) were discovered in both sexes.
There is no specific sign of copper storage disease. Because there are no definitive signs, it is usually diagnosed while running bloodwork for other reasons. The bloodwork may show values that indicate liver damage, which occurs in copper storage disease. Blood clotting requires certain factors made by the liver.
Copper storage diseases in dogs. In addition to copper toxicosis in the Bedlington terrier, hereditary copper-associated liver disease has also been described in other dog breeds such as the Dobermann (Mandigers et al. 2004), the West Highland White terrier (Thornburg et al. 1986), and the Dalmatian (Webb et al.
Copper is in all sorts of tasty dog-safe foods like meats, nuts, beans, and whole grains. Here are just a few dog-safe human foods that have high levels of dietary copper: Beef liver. Crab.
Overall, median survival was 671 days. Survival was negatively impacted by lack of cholecystectomy and age >13 years. Given that the majority of cases had NC and associated gallbladder disease, dogs suspected to have cholangitis should have hepatobiliary culture performed as part of their diagnostic evaluation.
What to Avoid:
Watch for signs that may indicate high copper levels, such as decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or jaundice. Learn more about how the three variants for Copper Toxicosis are inherited and, if applicable, how results can be used in a breeding program here.
However, some species are known to be susceptible to copper poisoning, including several dog breeds (Bedlington, West Highland White, and Skye terriers, Labrador retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Dalmatians), all of which should receive specific management of Cu intake from their diet.
Wilson disease is often confused with other liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease due to obesity, or acute liver failure due to hepatitis viruses or drugs/toxins. It can also be confused with other neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Three toxic types of meat for dogs include fatty, processed meats (like bacon, sausage, ham) due to salt/fat causing pancreatitis and sodium issues; seasoned meats with onions/garlic (allium) that damage red blood cells; and cooked bones, which splinter and cause internal damage or blockages, potentially requiring surgery. Raw meats can also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli.
Signs and symptoms
Affected animals often have a very thin coat, due to hair loss. Discolouration of the coat, particularly around edges of eyes and ears is also widely attested; as is diarrhoea and anaemia (particularly in extreme cases). Animals suffering from a copper deficiency may also walk with a pronounced limp.
Frequent feedings of high quality, simple carbohydrates such as white rice and potatoes are recommended. Dietary therapy should include vegetables too, which act as a source of complex carbohydrates and provide fiber.
Are dogs in pain when they have liver failure? Yes, some dogs may experience abdominal pain with liver failure. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and collapse.
The lack of protein can be fixed by adding a low-copper protein supplement such as cottage cheese or egg whites to the diet. Your veterinarian can recommend one that will work well for your dog. Prescription foods for dogs with liver disease generally have the lowest levels of copper and also include added zinc.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Toxicity in dogs can show up anywhere from minutes to several days or even months after exposure, depending entirely on the substance; some toxins (like alcohol or certain pesticides) are rapid, causing symptoms like drooling or seizures quickly, while others (like some rat poisons) cause delayed internal bleeding over days, requiring immediate veterinary attention even if the dog seems fine. Always contact your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately if you suspect poisoning, even without symptoms.
Your dog's symptoms may include:
Good proteins to feed for liver disease are eggs for the most bioavailable protein and choline content, poultry and a little fish such as sardines, salmon and cod.
Tuna contains methylmercury, which can build up in a dog's vital organs over time. This can lead to serious issues such as respiratory damage, kidney failure, and liver dysfunction. Larger tuna species, like albacore, contain higher mercury levels than smaller varieties, making them especially risky for dogs.
Excess sugar—especially from sodas, energy drinks and desserts—can overload your liver. Unlike other organs, the liver processes fructose (a type of sugar) and converts it into fat. Too much can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where fat builds up in liver cells, increasing the risk of liver damage.
Some dogs have mild liver disease that progresses slowly and remains relatively stable over months, or even years. Other dogs may have a rapid progression of liver failure. And they may only live for weeks, or even days, following their diagnosis.
Oriental cholangiohepatitis (Clonorchis infestation) is caused by Clonorchis sinensis, a liver fluke endemic to Asia. This parasite affects inhabitants of this area and is acquired by ingesting raw fish with infectious metacercariae (1, 2).
Seven early signs of hepatitis often include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain (especially upper right), dark urine, and pale stools, with jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) also appearing as the condition progresses, though some people, especially with Hepatitis C, might have few or no symptoms initially.