Author: Central California Labrador Retriever Club

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Copper liver disease in Labrador retrievers

Animal: Dogs

Age: > 4 months

Sex: Any

Healthy Pets: Yes

Type: Observational

Background and purpose

Copper associated liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases in dogs and Labrador retrievers are at risk. Copper associated liver disease is caused by too much copper build up in the liver. If this disease is not diagnosed or treated, it can cause a lot of liver damage and ultimately, liver failure.

The goal of this study is to use new technologies to better understand how to diagnose these diseases with blood tests and see how they differ from Labrador retrievers with autoimmune liver disease and healthy Labrador retrievers.

What happens in this study

We will collect additional teaspoons of blood and small less than pea-sized samples of liver tissue to assess for liver disease and measure copper. We will then screen for genes and markers in the blood that could be used to help diagnose and treat Labrador retrievers with liver disease in the future.

We are also enrolling healthy Labrador retrievers. If your Labrador is healthy and already undergoing a surgery such as a spay, neuter, or gastropexy, the liver sampling will be in addition to that and a portion or all costs of the surgery will be covered.

Pet owner responsibilities:

  1. Complete symptom questionnaire
  2. Bring a diet sample of what your pet is currently eating
  3. Consent to blood and liver sampling

Participation requirements

We will have 3 groups of Labrador retrievers: 1) copper associated liver disease, 2) auto-immune liver disease, and 3) healthy control Labrador retriever dogs Benefits and risks of participating

Benefits: We cannot promise benefits to you or your pet from taking part in this study. However, identifying non-invasive ways to diagnose liver disease in Labrador retrievers early and correctly could help prevent and treat liver disease in this breed. The cost of some bloodwork, the liver biopsy procedure +/- the additional spay or gastropexy surgeries are also financially covered.

Risks: There will be minor risk of bleeding, infection, opening of the incision, pain, and poor healing from the liver biopsy, but this risk is low especially in a healthy dog.

Compensation

Cost of some or full bloodwork, liver biopsy, +/- partial or full cost of spay, neuter, or gastropexy surgery

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WINNER of the 2025 JUDIE LYNCH MEMORIAL TROPHY 

CONGRATULATIONS are in order! 

CH Winnies Block Buster MH “Casper”  (posthumously) 

Owners: Pat Collom and Leah Musson

Breeder: Pia Razera-Brulin

Over a decade ago, when I first started my journey into the Labrador community, I was fortunate enough to meet Pat and Casper. When I met him, I knew he was something special. I just remember thinking how amazing this show Champion Labrador was to have also exhibited the ability to compete in and earn a Master Hunter title.

Casper was a Swedish import who finished his show championship quickly and began competing in hunt tests aiming for a junior hunter title. It became apparent that he had a lot of talent and worked his way into a master hunter. Casper has definitely left his mark on our community and his legacy lives on in the numerous Labradors who have him in their pedigree. He was a true Labrador in every way.

Received 20 of the 68 votes cast.

Congratulations Pat, Leah and Pia!!

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SAVE THE DATE for our 2025 WORKING CERTIFICATE WEEKEND

29 & 30 March 2025—Dos Palos, California

The Central California Labrador Retriever Club warmly welcomes you to join us for our 2025 Working Certificate Weekend!

Even if your dog has not been exposed to birds, this is your opportunity to learn and test the waters with your dog.

Your dog may be a natural!

What is a Working Certificate (WC)?

The Working Certificate (WC) program provides a way for Labrador owners to experience and develop an appreciation for the natural working abilities of their dogs.

The WC is a test of natural retrieving instinct.

It is not a marking test.

It is not to indicate the extent of training the dog has received.

To be eligible for a Working Certificate a Labrador Retriever must be six months of age and demonstrate the following:

  • The dog is not gun shy.
  • The dog will retrieve a shot bird at 50 yards on land in light cover.
  • The dog will retrieve two ducks from swimming water (if available) in immediate succession, to prove willingness to re-enter the water.

Steadiness is not required, so a dog may be held on the line. 

How is the WC weekend program organized?

Saturday (Training Day) 

Training takes place on Saturday. Our judges assist in introducing your dog to birds. Judges provide instruction, encouragement, and support to both you and your dog.

Sunday (Test Day)

Testing takes place on Sunday. You and your dog repeat what you learned on Saturday.

Meals

We (the Central California Labrador Retriever Club) provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday; and, host a group dinner Friday and Saturday for all participants.

Lodging

Spaces are available to park a trailer or an RV.

Sleeping bag spaces are available in the house for overnighters. 

Some folks choose to stay at local hotels. 

Questions?  We’re here for you!  

Please reach out to Pat Collom, Working Certificate Chair, at 559-289-9860.