2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

We examined our diagnostic laboratory records for cases having both liver histopathology and hepatic Cu quantitation in the year 2014. Fresh liver tissue was analyzed for Cu via flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and expressed as lg/g dry weight liver ([dwl] , normal 120-400). We elected to evaluate a subset of dogs having hepatic Cu > 1000 lg/g because those cases would more likely reflect a primary copper storage disorder. Histopathologic diagnoses were grouped as inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Inflammatory samples were sub-classified as mild, moderate or severe. Non-inflammatory samples were characterized as hepatocellular swelling, hyperplasia, lipidosis, nonspecific reactive hepatopathies, fibrosis, or neoplasia. 628 cases met the criteria of having both liver histology and Cu quantitation. 125 cases (20%) had hepatic Cu > 1000 (median 1670 lg/g dwl). Ages ranged from 1 to 14 years (median 7.0 years). 56% were female. 47 different breeds were represented. The Labrador retriever (21.6%), Doberman pinscher (8%), West Highland white terrier (5.6%), and standard poodle (4%) were the four most common pure breeds. Median age for Labrador retrievers was 8 compared to 5 years for Doberman pinschers. 52% of Labrador retrievers, 70% of Doberman pinschers, 80% of standard poodles, and none of the West Highland white terriers were female. Of the 326 cases having normal copper levels, the Labrador retriever (10%), Chihuahua (5.2%), Maltese (4.9%), standard poodle (4.6%), shih tzu (4.3%), and Yorkshire terriers (4%) comprised the most cases.