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Zinc toxicity in a dog | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Videos

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, we review zinc toxicosis in dogs. In this video, a 5-year-old, male neutered, terrier mix presented for pigmenturia. While the owner suspected a urinary tract infection, remember there are numerous ruleouts for pigmenturia. On presentation, a urinalysis was performed and revealed hemoglobinuria with no overt pyuria or bacteriuria. A primary ruleout was hemolysis, and further workup included a complete blood count, chemistry panel and radiographs. Radiographs revealed the underlying cause of hemolysis: coin ingestion.

Keep in mind that United States pennies minted after 1982 are the most common cause of zinc toxicity in dogs. When ingested, pennies (or other metal products containing zinc) can result in zinc toxicosis. Clinical signs of zinc toxicosis include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pallor, dehydration, tachycardia, neurologic symptoms, pigmenturia, and loss of appetite. Clinicopathologic findings seen with zinc toxicosis include anemia and presence of target cells, spherocytes, and Heinz bodies on morphology. Regeneration may or may not be present. Elevations in liver enzymes and an elevated bilirubin may also be seen.

Fortunately, this dog was not significantly anemic and did not require a transfusion. Emesis was induced and only a small metallic piece of jewelry was produced. This metallic object (which was in the shape of a cat’s head) belonged on the collar of the cat in the household. As the coins did not come up with emesis induction, endoscopy was performed to remove the coins (NOTE: Coins often become partially digested from gastric acid, and corrode as a result, making them “stick” to the stomach lining!). What was interesting is that these coins turned out NOT pennies! Turns out that in this patient, the source of the zinc toxicity was actually the cat jewelry that was vomited up! This dog recovered well and required no additional treatment. So, remember to keep your differentials in mind next time you see pigmenturia!

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