Copper-Storage Disease in Dogs
Canine Copper-Associated Hepatopathy – An Evidence Based Approach
A Toxic Situation: We have a story that matters. So do you.
Canine Copper-Associated Hepatopathy (copper storage disease) is recognized with increasing frequency in dogs. While most evidence currently points to genetics (with only two breeds having successfully discovered the deletion gene), growing studies are demonstrating it is possible that the dietary ingredient (cu) plays a critical and sometimes fatal role in dogs due to several industry changes in pet food, which may give answers to those with an unknown etiology.
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This Affects All Dogs
The mineral copper is an essential dietary nutrient for all dogs.
The latest studies we have from veterinary experts from several different academic institutions believe that the incidence of copper-associated hepatopathy associated with the changes in the average liver copper concentrations reported are unlikely to be due to the dogs’ excretion of copper, theorizing that diet, and not genetics, is the most critical underlying factor influencing copper accumulation in the liver of dogs.
Help us spread awareness to the condition and issues that remain in order to bring forth funding and research necessary to help other dogs and their owners.
- Changes in pet food formulations over the last several decades have an influence on dietary copper levels
- AAFCO removed their safe upper limit for copper in 2007, and has yet to provide a new value
- How much copper do dogs need, and how should pet owners take into account the wide availability of the mineral and its nutrient interactions
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Synergistically Yours,
Danielle & Sheepdog Riggs
Forever in Our hearts
Comprehensive Resources and Support
We are dedicated to providing you with the best resources for understanding and managing copper storage disease in dogs. We offer a comprehensive collection of information, resources, and support to help you navigate through the complexities of copper storage disease in your canine companion.
AAFCO Nutrient Requirements for Dogs
2006 NRC Nutrient Requirements for Adult Dogs (Maintenance)
2006 NRC Nutrient Requirements for Puppies after Weaning
FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines
Dog Body Condition Score
Fecal Scoring Chart
(AAFCO) The Association of American Feed Control Officials
The government organization that sets the pet feed industry guidelines.
(AAVN) The American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition
Advances in Nutrition
AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF)
Dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners by funding scientific research and supporting the dissemination of health information to prevent, treat and cure canine disease.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Amino Acid Laboratory, University of California, Davis
Balance IT®
Online formulation software and supplements; generate custom balanced recipes.
Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists®
Full list for referring veterinarians (from Balance IT®)
Calculation and Converter Tools
Canadian Academy of Veterinary Nutrition
Canadian Nutrient File (CNF)
A comprehensive, computerized bilingual database that reports up to 152 nutrients in over 5690 foods. The database can help you find values for nutrients.
Canine Inherited Disorders Database
Reduce the incidence of inherited disorders in dogs by providing information to owners and breeders; facilitate the best management possible of these conditions by providing current information to veterinarians.
Consumer Lab
Evaluates and tests consumer products relating to health, wellness, and nutrition in regards to bioavailability, transparency, potency, etc.
Dietary Supplements Verification Program
Evaluates dietary supplements against science-based quality standards – including federally recognized USP–NF standards of quality, purity, potency, performance, and consistency – and FDA current good manufacturing practices.
European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ESVCN)
An organization encouraging nutrition research and continuing education to veterinary professionals and animal paraprofessionals.
FEDIAF
The trade body representing the European pet food industry. This organization strongly encourages responsible dog and cat ownership, and provides valuable pet resources.
How to Report a Pet Food Complaint
NRC Dog Guide for Pet Owners
Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs – A Science-Based Guide for Pet Owners
National Research Council of the National Academies, 2006
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition Chapter Download. The global standard for evidence-based small animal nutrition in the most comprehensive and practical resource available
Pet Diets
Veterinary Nutritional Consultations. For pets with medical conditions; customized or homemade recipes; assessements for healthy and growing pets.
Petfoodology
The scientific study of pet nutrition by veterinary nutrition specialists and experts
Report Animal Drug Side Effects and Product Problems
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Global Nutrition Committee setting Standards of world veterinary care; Nutrition Toolkits & Guidelines
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