Copper Storage Disease

A medical concern you may or may not be aware of in Dalmatians is Copper Storage Disease. There are many breeds with a history of CSD, and several genetic tests have been developed, but unfortunately, we do not (yet) have a test in Dalmatians.

CSD has cropped up in essentially all the lines out there, at some point. Until we have a genetic test, the best thing we can do is study pedigrees and do our best to avoid "doubling" up on any recent relatives with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of CSD.

For owners, it is important to stay on top of your dog's bloodwork as they grow. In Dalmatians, we usually see CSD develop around a year or 18 mos. If we can catch it early, we can likely manage the disease. You will not see clinical signs until it may be too late to intervene.

We recommend doing blood work that includes a CBC/Chem panel at 12 mos, 18 mos, and 2 years. This will catch early elevations in liver enzymes if there is an issue. As an inherent worrier, I start bloodwork at 6 months .

I recommend annual bloodwork for all dogs to keep an eye on internal organs, test for tick-borne diseases, and check for heartworm. Your veterinary team will advise you on appropriate parasite prevention depending on your area and risk factors.

Danger and Hazzard have had blood work every six months until they were 2. Then annually thereafter. They have had no elevations in any enzymes and no concerns. None of their relatives in the past several generations have a history of CSD, but if you go further back in their pedigree (or - again - any Dalmatian) there are dogs that are suspected or confirmed with CSD.

This is a good article on CSD.