Symptoms of Acute Zinc Toxicity in Dogs
Symptoms of chronic zinc toxicity may also include fever, joint pain, chronic cough, low blood pressure, seizures, or metallic taste in the mouth. Some welders or those that spend a lot of time in a similar industrial setting may experience “zinc shakes,” which are caused by chronic inhalation of zinc particles/fumes.
Without taking your dog or cat to the vet, the only way you can know for certain they have zinc toxicosis is if you catch them in the act. Be aware of your pets habits and the signs of zinc toxicity as it might save their life.
Diagnosis of Coins Poisoning in Dogs
A pet who has ingested coins must be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of coin poisoning are not obvious right away; studies have not determined the length of time that it takes for the zinc in pennies to begin to make your pet sick. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before making the trip to the clinic. Complications that arise, like anemia or jaundice, may not be apparent to you but could be manifesting without showing signs.
The veterinarian will ask questions pertinent to your dog’s recent health and the coin eating event.
A physical examination will be done and the veterinarian will be listening to your pet’s heart rate and breathing patterns, as well as palpating the abdomen for tenderness and checking the mucus membranes for irritation or unusual color.
A complete blood count, chemical profile and coagulation profile, in addition to a urinalysis will be ordered. BUN, creatinine and urine color are just a few of the markers that will be analysed. These diagnostic tools can point to the extent of toxicity. Radiographs (x-rays) may be done and can indicate if there is a dangerous obstruction caused by the coins and also can give the location of the coins because removal will be necessary.
Symptoms of Coins Poisoning in Dogs
Severe cases may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and renal failure.
Types
My DOG Has LOOSE STOOLS How to Fix It
One poor pooch from Colo. lost her life after eating another item found commonly in households: a penny.
Thats because pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which is a toxic substance to pets such as dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
“I used to call her my walking heart on four legs; just one of the nicest dogs,” Maryann Goldstein , the owner of the deceased West Highland White terrier named Sierra, said to CBS Denver, which reported the case.
Goldstein said Sierra was always attracted to change, and remembered her Westie swallowing 32 cents worth of a change as a puppy, requiring surgery.
However this March, the dog got very sick and had to go to the veterinarian. An X-ray revealed a quarter and penny in her stomach. The penny presented the biggest risk because it contained zinc.
Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a staff veterinarian at Petplan pet insurance, told CBSNews.com in an email that these newer pennies are so toxic because gastric acid from the pets stomach can reach the zinc center of the penny quickly, causing it to be absorbed in the body rapidly.
She said zinc interferes with red blood cell production, and the longer the exposure, the greater likelihood red blood cells will be destroyed. Symptoms of zinc toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, red-colored urine or looking jaundiced.
Goldstein wears her dogs ashes in a heart-shaped container on a necklace, and shares Sierras story to warn others that a penny could be so costly.
In March, one lucky New York City Jack Russell terrier had a health scare when he ate 111 pennies and became ill.
The dog, Jack, developed an upset stomach and began to vomit. When the owner brought Jack to the vet, doctors had to remove the pennies four to five coins at a time before all 111 were removed, BluePearl Veterinary Partners said at the time.
“Zinc toxicosis is more commonly seen in dogs, but cats can get sick from eating pennies, too,” warned Jackson. “Be sure to bank your spare change before curious pets can get their paws on it — and if they do, get them to the emergency vet immediately.”
Ryan Jaslow is CBSNews.coms health editor. Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in for more features. Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue View CBS News In