What it is
The liver takes up copper, a mineral the body needs in small amounts, and passes the extra out with bile. In this disease that clearance falls behind, and copper slowly piles up inside the liver cells. In large amounts it damages them, the liver becomes inflamed, and over months or years scar tissue can replace healthy tissue.
In some dogs it is inherited, meaning their liver is less able to get rid of copper from the start; in others the build-up has other causes. It is a disease of slow years rather than sudden days, and it can stay hidden while the liver quietly copes.
Because the early stage gives few clues, your attention matters: a dog who has lost some sparkle, eats with less interest or seems thirstier is telling you something. A vet can check how the liver is doing long before the eyes turn yellow.
Signs you may notice
- Less energy than before
- Eats with less interest
- Losing weight
- Repeated vomiting
- Drinks and urinates more
- Yellow whites of the eyes or gums
You may notice a dog that becomes listless, loses its appetite, loses weight, vomits, drinks and urinates more, and later the whites of the eyes or the gums may turn yellow. If the dog starts to seem unwell, it is worth having it seen by a vet.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog seems duller, eats less, loses weight or drinks more than before. Yellowing of the eyes or gums needs a vet promptly.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.