Iatrogenic copper deficiency associated with long-term copper chelation for treatment of copper storage disease in a Bedlington Terrier

Abstract

Copper storage disease in Bedlington Terriers is an autosomal recessive inherited defect of biliary excretion that results in hepatic copper accumulation and hepatic injury. Treatment of copper storage disease involves the use of dietary copper restriction and a copper chelator or zinc acetate to prevent copper absorption. Prolonged treatment with a chelator, particularly in a heterozygous carrier with high hepatic copper concentration, has the potential to result in copper deficiency. Copper deficiency associated with overtreatment should be considered in dogs receiving chelation treatment that have microcytosis or evidence of liver dysfunction.