2024-25 VIN Veritas Award Honors Copper Hepatopathy Action Group for Contributions

In an exciting announcement, the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) recently revealed the recipients of the 2024-25 VIN Veritas Award, with the prestigious accolade going to the Copper Hepatopathy Action Group. This group, whose notable members include Drs. Sharon Center, John Cullen, Keith Richter, David Twedt, Joe Wakshlag, Penny Watson, and Cynthia Webster, has made significant contributions to understanding the effects of dietary copper on animal health, especially in dogs.

The VIN Veritas Award was established in 2020 to acknowledge those who advocate for truth and accuracy in the face of adversity in the scientific community. This year's winners have tackled the complex issue of copper toxicity in pets, emphasizing the urgent need to reevaluate the existing copper guidelines in pet foods.

Copper plays a crucial role in animal health, but an excess can be detrimental. It's stored in the liver, where it may cause severe damage if not properly managed. The current standards, set back in the 1990s, were based on copper oxide, a less bioavailable form of copper, failing to account for newer, more absorbable forms now widely used in pet food formulations.

Over the years, researchers have noted a troubling trend: a rising incidence of copper toxicity that seems linked more to dietary sources than genetic factors. In the early 2000s, this concern became more prominent, prompting significant discussion in the veterinary community.

In 2017, the Copper Hepatopathy Action Group took decisive steps to address these issues by preparing a consensus statement on chronic hepatitis in dogs that was presented to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). They called for a critical reassessment of dietary copper levels, which later resulted in further research initiatives aimed at determining safer upper limits for copper in dog foods.

Their efforts culminated in a historic moment for veterinary literature with the first retraction of a scientific paper from the Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA) in over 100 years, highlighting the necessity of addressing outdated practices in pet nutrition. Since their initial recognition, the group has diligently updated the veterinary community about the dangers of excessive dietary copper through various platforms, including research publications, editorials, and presentations at major veterinary conferences.

Despite the hurdles, their persistence and commitment to advancing scientific dialogue and policy on pet nutritional guidelines have not gone unnoticed. The VIN proudly awards the 2024-25 Veritas Award to the Copper Hepatopathy Action Group as a testament to their unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of animals.

To learn more about the work of these dedicated professionals and their contributions to veterinary medicine, please visit VIN. Since its inception in 1991, the Veterinary Information Network has been a vital resource for over 110,000 veterinarians and veterinary students worldwide, offering an advertising-free platform for community support, educational content, and professional resources. This award celebrates those who strive for excellence and integrity in their pursuit of knowledge and clarity in pet health sciences.

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