Hepatic copper concentrations in 546 dogs (1982-2015).

Background: Copper associated hepatitis (CAH) has been increasingly recognized in dogs, and speculation exists that hereditary defects in copper metabolism have been exacerbated by increased environmental copper exposure. However, no broad epidemiological investigations have been performed to investigate quantitative hepatic copper concentrations ([Cu] ) over time in both dogs that are (predisposed breed [PB]), and are not (non-predisposed breed [NPB]), considered at-risk for CAH.

Objectives: To investigate [Cu] in dogs and explore temporal, demographic, and histologic associations spanning 34 years.