Unusual high frequency of liver cirrhosis with copper storage in German Shepherds

Increased frequency of liver cirrhosis with copper accumulation was observe d in German Shepherds at the age from 1.5 until 3 years from one breeding u nit. All dogs had severe ascites and were slightly icteric, Activities of a lkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase w ere elevated. Livers were characterised by nodular cirrhotic lesions with a bnormal high copper concentrations (2.249, 1.441, and 2.921 mg/kg dry matte r).