Sweepstakes to be held.
Download the 2026 CCLRC OBRA Premium (PDF) »
Animal: Dogs
Age: > 4 months
Sex: Any
Healthy Pets: Yes
Type: Observational
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.
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:
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.
Cost of some or full bloodwork, liver biopsy, +/- partial or full cost of spay, neuter, or gastropexy surgery
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!!