Influence of Liver Condition and Copper on Selective Parameters of Post-Mortem Dog Tissue Samples

The liver is a vital organ involved in numerous physiological functions. Maintaining its health is vital to the wellbeing of the dog. Copper is a transition metal that can cause cell oxidation when stored in excess. This surplus storage in the liver may happen due to breed genetics, or excess dietary copper consumption. The objective of this work was to determine relationship between hepatic copper and liver pathology severity with plasma metabolites, complete blood count, and blood chemistry. Copper accumulation was not related to either liver pathological condition nor to an increase in liver biomarkers in the selected dog population. However, an increasing copper concentration suggested oxidation and cell membrane stress. Liver pathology severity was related to increased liver enzymes, and some cholestasis. Further, liver neoplasia was correlated with biomarkers that suggest rapid cell division and increased energy metabolism