Copper has been in the news lately because of the increasing incidence of dogs being diagnosed with Copper Storage Disease. In some veterinary circles, this is a debatable topic while others readily acknowledge that CSD is on the rise. Admittedly, a small number of dog and cat breeds are predisposed to this rare condition, i.e., Bedlington Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Keeshonds, Dalmatians, etc., and Siamese cats, but in recent years CSD appears to be affecting the general canine population. CSD is an uncommon diagnosis in feline morbidity, but the often cited “kidney/liver failure” is a vague and very common cause of feline mortality, and Copper Storage Disease targets those two organs.

Diet

The essential trace mineral copper is necessary for our pet’s lives. However, it cannot be manufactured in our dog’s and cats’ bodies and must be consumed in their diets for their nutritional needs. As long as our pets are eating species-appropriate raw, meat-based diets their copper requirements are fully and safely met. But when a natural raw diet is supplanted by an over-processed, high starch, chemically debased kibble and canned food diet containing synthetic vitamins and minerals serious problems can occur. Sadly, this is often the typical diet that most of our cats and dogs are fed every day of their lives.

As a mineral, copper is an inorganic element in the soil. Cats and dogs do not normally eat dirt, so how do our carnivorous pets acquire copper? The same way we do, through our diets. Mother Nature is a smart old gal, and the mineral cycle is a beautiful illustration of that.  Figuratively speaking, plants do ‘’eat’ dirt by absorbing the inorganic minerals from the soil and incorporating those nutrients into their structure. At this point, the inorganic soil minerals are now considered organic as they are part of a living structure and are now biologically available to other living creatures. Next, herbivores and some omnivores (cows, chickens, lambs, etc.) eat the plants and those minerals become a part of their structure. Now the valuable organic minerals are able to be assimilated by our carnivore dogs and cats as they mainly consume prey animals as food. And finally, when herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores die their bodies return to the soil, deteriorate, and contribute minerals back to the earth and the mineral cycle continues.

Too much of a good thing?

Of course, minerals are necessary to sustain life, but interestingly, while copper is essential, very little is needed for optimum health, and too much can lead to excess copper accumulation in the liver. The liver is a hardy organ, but too much copper causes oxidative stress and cellular injury to the organ, damaging it and cascading harm to the kidneys, nervous system, brain, and eyes. If not caught quite early this destruction will lead to hepatic failure and death. Early diagnosis can be caught by blood work, but when symptoms are visible it is often too late for healing to begin.

Serious signs of liver injury leading to hepatic failure include:

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Pale gums

Copper is a valuable and essential mineral, and in its natural form, the body recognizes it, using it to help absorb iron (another essential mineral), assist in red blood cell formation, and act as part of the maintenance of the immune and nervous system. It is a small but mighty member in the holistic, biological health of the body.

Part 2

Next month, we will focus on how this essential but minor mineral in our pet’s health has become a problem, focusing on the differences between “natural’ and “synthetic” vitamins/minerals and one of the pet food industry’s nutritional conundrums.