2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Our findings indicate that the Labrador retriever is a common breed with copper associated liver disease. However, this may be an overrepresentation due to the popularity of the breed. More female cases had elevated hepatic Cu in all breeds with the exception of the West Highland white terrier, in which only male cases were identified. Affected dogs in this study were on average 7-8 years old at the time of diagnosis except for Doberman pinschers, which were on average younger. Higher levels of hepatic Cu were more likely associated with more severe inflammatory changes on histopathology. Coagulation abnormalities are common in human and veterinary patients with hepatobiliary disease. Due to the liver's complex and varied influence on hemostasis these derangements can result in a multitude of outcomes in the patient, including a propensity toward bleeding and/or thrombosis. Hepatic biopsy is commonly indicated in the diagnostic work-up of hepatobiliary disease in dogs, and increasingly performed via laparoscopy. Knowledge of a patient's hemostatic status prior to biopsy is considered essential to assess bleeding risk. However, conventional tests are not always accurate predictors of clinical bleeding. Additionally, newer techniques for evaluating the coagulation system have recently become available.