Tackling a Hidden Threat: New Study Aims to Defeat Copper Hepatopathy in Labradors

A pioneering study at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, is utilizing advanced, blood-based technologies to understand the underlying causes of copper hepatopathy in Labrador retrievers and develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for this silent disease. To support this vital research and encourage participation, the cost of the liver biopsy is covered for enrolled dogs.

The unpredictable nature of this condition is perfectly illustrated by Ellie, a young Labrador puppy whose owners enrolled her in the trial assuming she was a healthy control. To their surprise, despite her completely normal liver values on standard blood work, the study identified excess copper accumulation in Ellie's liver.

"We were motivated to enroll in the study because of the fantastic care we have always received at UC Davis and wanting to help understand the copper issue in this amazing breed," shared Ellie’s owner. "The bonus was we unexpectedly found she had a copper disease that we can now treat to keep her healthy and give her a very long life!"

Because the disease often stays hidden, proactive research is critical.

"This issue is highly prevalent and incredibly insidious," said lead investigator Dr. Tarini Ullal, emphasizing the urgency. "A pet's liver values might be completely normal and they can feel perfectly well right up until the end stage of the disease, when it is simply too late. We are at a precipice—a true turning point where we really need to proactively understand what causes this disorder, be it genetic, environmental and dietary, or both. We must screen for it more effectively to prevent more dogs from going into liver failure."

The veterinary and research communities are rallying behind this effort.

“This disease is on the rise in dogs," said Stephanie Montgomery of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. "It demands answers, and researchers like Dr. Ullal are the future of solving it for the dogs counting on us.”

Interested owners and referring veterinarians are encouraged to reach out to learn more or see if their dog or patient is a good fit for the trial. Please contact the Veterinary Center for Clinical Trials at 530-754-1954 or [email protected].