Copper-associated Hepatopathy in a 7-year-old Labrador Mix
A seven-year-old, female spayed, Labrador Retriever mix was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA) Internal Medicine Service for elevated liver values on serum chemistry. The patient had a history of chronic carprofen use. Liver biopsy and histopathology revealed severe hepatitis with hepatocyte necrosis and copper accumulation. Treatment was initiated with antibiotics, liver protectants, D-penicillamine and a copper restricted diet. This report discusses the diagnostic tools utilized in the evaluation of this patient and provides an overview of idiosyncratic hepatic necrosis from chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and copper-associated hepatopathy.