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

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 May 15;218(10):1593-7, 1580. doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.1593.

Abstract

A 9-year-old Bedlington Terrier was evaluated because of weight loss, inappetence, and hematemesis. Copper storage disease had been diagnosed previously on the basis of high hepatic copper concentration. Treatment had included dietary copper restriction and administration of trientine for chelation of copper. A CBC revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia. High serum activities of liver enzymes, high bile acid concentrations, and low BUN and albumin concentrations were detected. Vomiting resolved temporarily with treatment, but the clinicopathologic abnormalities persisted. Results of transcolonic portal scintigraphy suggested an abnormal shunt fraction. Results of liver biopsy and copper quantification revealed glycogen accumulation and extremely low hepatic copper concentration. Serum and hair copper concentrations were also low. Chelation and dietary copper restriction were tapered and discontinued. Clinical signs and all clinicopathologic abnormalities improved during a period of several months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chelating Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chelation Therapy / adverse effects
  • Chelation Therapy / veterinary*
  • Copper / administration & dosage
  • Copper / deficiency*
  • Copper / metabolism
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases / diet therapy
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dog Diseases / etiology*
  • Dogs
  • Iatrogenic Disease / veterinary
  • Liver / chemistry
  • Male
  • Metal Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diet therapy
  • Metal Metabolism, Inborn Errors / drug therapy
  • Metal Metabolism, Inborn Errors / veterinary*
  • Time Factors
  • Trientine / adverse effects*
  • Trientine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Chelating Agents
  • Copper
  • Trientine