Important trace elements for dogs

Manganese and Hepatitis in Dogs

RESULTS: The whole blood manganese concentrations were significantly different between dogs with primary
hepatitis, dogs with non-hepatic illnesses and healthy dogs (P=0·002). Dogs with primary hepatitis
had significantly increased whole blood manganese concentrations compared with healthy dogs
(P<0·05) and dogs with non-hepatic illnesses (P<0·01). Dogs with primary hepatitis had significantly
lower whole blood manganese concentration compared with dogs with congenital portosystemic
shunts (P=0·0005).

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Since dogs are usually fed a meat-rich diet, copper deficiency diseases are rare. This trace element is important for special enzymes, with the liver playing an important role. Although copper is well absorbed from food, too much intake of calcium. manganese or zinc blocks absorption and utilization. Copper is excreted primarily via the bile and the intestines.

The daily copper requirement of adult dogs is around 0.1 mg per kg of body weight per day. The requirement is greater for long-haired dogs during the shedding period. Pregnant bitches need around 0.15 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Terriers, Dobermans and German Shepherds have a tendency to have a hereditary liver copper storage disease. If their copper intake is too high, their liver stores too much copper. An iron or manganese deficiency promotes copper absorption. It is therefore important that the mineral and trace element metabolism is monitored. Fur mineral analysis can help prevent damage at an early stage.