Copper storage disease (CSD) hits hard, hitting dogs of all kinds, but it really digs into breeds like Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Labrador Retrievers. This disease comes from too much copper building up in the liver, wrecking it and causing all sorts of health problems.
You know, there’s no quick fix for this condition, but we can definitely work on managing it and protecting our livers as much as possible. That means following a specific diet and taking medication right on schedule.
Dietary changes
If you want your pup feeling better, the first step is changing their diet. Skip the beef liver, lamb liver, and other organ meats, and steer clear of treats loaded with copper.
Thankfully, there are plenty of low-copper dog foods available. Your vet can help you pick the best option for your furry friend.
| Dietary Component | Restriction/Change |
| Copper intake | * Reduce significantly (ideally to 0.1-0.2 ppm dry matter) |
| High-fiber foods | * Increase |
| Fat | * Moderate |
| Vitamin C | * Limit |
| Fruits & Vegetables | * Encourage |
| Commercial diets | * Look for low-copper options |
| Homemade diets | * Consult a veterinary nutritionist |
| Food Group | Foods to Limit |
| Protein Sources | Liver, kidney, organ meats, shellfish, chocolate, nuts, legumes |
| Carbohydrates | Wheat, corn, barley, oats, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots |
| Fats and Oils | Sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Avocados, bananas, mangoes, oranges, grapes, raisins |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Vitamin C supplements |
| Food Group | Foods to Encourage |
| Protein Sources | Lean chicken, turkey, fish (whitefish, cod), eggs, low-fat cottage cheese |
| Carbohydrates | White rice, pasta, barley (limited), oatmeal (limited), green beans, broccoli, cauliflower |
| Fats and Oils | Fish oil, olive oil, canola oil |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Apples, pears, berries, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, lettuce |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Vitamin E supplements (with veterinarian guidance) |
Medication
If your dog has too much copper in their system, your vet might recommend adjusting their diet and possibly prescribing medication to help eliminate the excess. One commonly used medication is penicillamine, which binds to copper and allows the body to flush it out through urine.
Other medications may also be considered. Zinc acetate, for example, works by reducing how much copper the body absorbs from food. Another option is trientine, which, like penicillamine, is a chelating agent that helps remove extra copper from the body.
Chelation Therapy: This treatment uses medications such as D-penicillamine and zinc acetate to lower copper levels in the liver. While effective, it requires close monitoring to manage potential side effects.
| Medication | Dosage |
| d-penicillamine | 10-15 mg/kg body weight |
| Bis-choline tetrathiomolybdate | 1.25 mg/kg body weight |
| Trientine | 600-1200 mg/day |
| 2,3,2-tetramine | 25-50 mg/kg body weight |
| Medication | Frequency |
| d-penicillamine | Every 12 hours (without food) |
| Bis-choline tetrathiomolybdate | Once daily (with food) |
| Trientine | Divided doses, 3-4 times daily (with food) |
| 2,3,2-tetramine | Every 12 hours (with food) |
Surgery: In some advanced cases, where there is significant liver damage, surgical intervention may be required. Surgery may involve removing parts of the liver or performing a liver transplant. However, liver transplantation is a complex procedure and may not be widely available.
| Type of Surgery | Purpose |
| Liver biopsy | Diagnose copper storage disease by analyzing liver tissue |
| Portosystemic shunt (PSS) placement | Relieve pressure in the portal vein caused by advanced liver disease |
| Liver transplantation | Replace severely damaged liver with a healthy one |
Treatment process
The treatment approach will depend on how advanced your dog’s condition is. For mild cases, adjusting the diet might be enough to manage it. However, for more moderate or severe cases, your veterinarian will likely recommend medication alongside dietary changes.
Your vet will monitor your dog’s health closely to ensure the treatment is effective and that there are no negative side effects from the medication. Regular blood work and liver evaluations will be done to keep track of your dog’s liver health and copper levels.
The Cost of Treating Copper Storage Disease
Managing the expenses of treating a condition involving abnormal copper buildup can be challenging for many pet owners. The overall cost of care can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the treatment methods selected, and the location of the veterinary clinic. Here’s an overview of possible costs:
| Treatment | Cost per Year (USD) |
| Wilson disease medication | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Liver transplant | $750,000 – $1 million |
| Chelation therapy | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Dietary modifications | $5,000 – $10,000 |
1. Diagnostic Tests: The initial diagnostic tests, including blood work, ultrasound, and possibly a liver biopsy, can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
2. Medications: The cost of medications for chelation therapy and supportive care can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the dog’s size and the duration of treatment.
3. Specialized Diet: Special low-copper diets prescribed by veterinarians can be expensive, with costs averaging around $2 to $4 per day, depending on the brand and type of diet.
4. Surgery: If surgery is deemed necessary, the cost can be quite substantial, ranging from a few thousand to over $10,000 for liver transplantation.
5. Veterinary Visits and Monitoring: Regular veterinary visits for check-ups and monitoring can incur additional costs.
It’s important to note that Copper Storage Disease treatment is often a long-term commitment, and costs can accumulate over time. Pet insurance may help offset some of these expenses, so it’s wise to explore insurance options to ease the financial burden.
The Emotional Toll of Treatment
Caring for a dog with this condition is a tough journey, filled with emotional highs and lows but anchored in deep love. Here’s a look at the challenges and feelings dog parents might experience while navigating this difficult path:
Hope and Determination: Starting treatment often brings a spark of hope—this belief that the therapy will work and your pup will recover. That hope becomes a driving force, keeping you committed to the process.
Heartbreak: When the illness progresses or initial treatments fall short, it can feel devastating. Watching your beloved companion struggle is one of the hardest things a pet parent can face.
Regret and Reflection: Many dog owners wrestle with feelings of guilt, wondering if they could’ve done something differently to prevent the illness or catch it earlier. But the reality is, this condition is deeply tied to genetics, leaving little room for “what-ifs.”
Financial Strain: The cost of treatment can be overwhelming. It’s essential to plan ahead, explore options like pet insurance, and create a strategy to manage expenses.
The Power of Community: Leaning on friends, family, or online groups can provide much-needed support. Connecting with others who’ve been through similar experiences can offer comfort and understanding.
Balancing Comfort and Time: Throughout the process, you’ll constantly assess your pup’s quality of life. Striking the balance between ensuring their comfort and cherishing every moment together is a delicate and emotional task.
Unbreakable Bond: Despite the challenges, the love between you and your dog grows even stronger. That bond becomes a source of strength, carrying you through the hardest times.
This journey is undeniably tough, but it’s also a testament to the profound connection we share with our furry companions.
