This condition takes a serious toll, affecting various breeds, but it’s especially tough on Bedlington Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Labrador Retrievers. It develops when excessive amounts of a certain metal accumulate in the liver, leading to severe damage and a range of health issues.
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 options available with reduced levels. Your vet can help you choose the best one 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 there’s an excess of this mineral in the system, a vet might suggest dietary adjustments and possibly prescribe medication to help remove it. One commonly used option works by binding to the mineral, allowing the body to eliminate it 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 involves medications like D-penicillamine and zinc acetate to reduce levels in the liver. While effective, it requires careful monitoring to manage possible 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 the condition 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 approach will depend on how advanced the condition is. For mild cases, adjusting the diet might be enough to manage it. However, for more moderate or severe cases, the veterinarian will likely recommend medication alongside dietary changes.
Your vet will closely monitor their health to ensure the medication is working properly and isn’t causing any negative side effects. Regular blood work and liver evaluations will help track overall liver function and maintain proper balance.
The Cost of Managing This Condition
Managing the expenses of addressing this condition can be challenging for many pet owners. The overall cost of care can vary widely based on several factors, including its severity, the chosen approach, 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 their medications for chelation and supportive care can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per month, depending on their size and how long they need it.
3. Specialized Diet: Special diets prescribed by veterinarians can be expensive, costing around $2 to $4 per day, depending on the brand and type.
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 managing this condition is often a long-term commitment, and costs can add up over time. Pet insurance may help cover some of these expenses, so it’s wise to explore options to reduce the financial burden.
The Emotional Toll of Treatment
Caring for a pet with this condition is a challenging journey, filled with emotional ups and downs but driven by deep love. Here’s a look at the struggles and emotions pet parents may face along the way:
Hope and Determination: Starting brings a spark of hope—the belief that it 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 pet owners struggle with guilt, questioning if they could have done something differently to prevent the illness or catch it sooner. However, the truth is, this condition is largely influenced by genetics, leaving little room for second-guessing.
Financial Strain: The cost can be overwhelming. It’s essential to plan ahead, explore options like pet insurance, and find ways 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 furry friend 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.
