Dogs with copper toxicosis have a decreased ability to get rid of copper resulting in excessive copper storage in the liver and other organs, leading to liver damage and cirrhosis
A variant in the ATP7A gene (copper toxicosis modifier) is known to decrease the risk for copper toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers with one or two copies of the ATP7B variant by minimalizing the excessive accumulation of copper in the liver. So it is a positive thing for a dog to have one or two copies of this variant if they are a carrier for the related ATP7B gene.
The disease is known to have a relatively late onset (middle aged or older dogs) with variable symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and neurological dysfunction
Gene Tested : ATP7A