Introduction

• Inherited (suspected) hepatitis occurring particularly in females.
• Cause: unknown, but abnormal copper metabolism is suspected to play a role.
• Signs: polyuria/polydypsia, icterus, anorexia, depression, seizures, behavior changes.
• Diagnosis: histopathology.
• Treatment: supportive and symptomatic.
• Prognosis:poor.
• Same as: acute liver disease Liver: acute disease.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Unknown - genetic basis suspected due to high frequency in this breed.

Predisposing factors

• Unknown.

Pathophysiology

• Role of copper levels in liver uncertain since hepatic copper concentrations are increased in many but not all affected dogs. Also, Dobermans may develop hepatic injury at lower hepatic copper concentrations than Bedlington Terriers Copper toxicosis (Bedlington Terrier) or West Highland White Terriers Liver: copper accumulation - West Highland White and Skye Terriers.
  EitherInherited factor → copper accumulation → liver failure.
  OrLiver disease and cholestasis → copper accumulation → liver failure.

Timecourse

• Unknown - most Dobermans are diagnosed in advanced stages of hepatic failure Liver: chronic disease - overview.
• Subclinical hepatitis has been histologically demonstrated in young (3 years) Dobermans.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes