One of the three studies she outlines describes an exhaustive process to collect data for individual liver biopsy submissions to Cornell over the course of one year. “I ask for a photo of the label, the flavors, any treats, commercial versus human food, explicitly characterized, supplements, the brand source, ingredients…so that we can ascertain what the copper content is [in a dog’s diet],” she explains regarding the collection of information about the dog’s diet history. Even copper in a dog’s water source(s) is carefully documented.

“Case based findings implicate a harmful impact of common dietary copper concentrations in commercial dog foods during these years,” Dr. Center told the ACVIM audience.