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.
Content written by: Dr. Cat Angle, DVM, MPH, Pet Poison Helpline
If you suspect your dog, cat, or bird ingested a metal piece or coin, an x-ray should be done immediately. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice.
The content of this page is not veterinary advice. A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment.
Zinc poisoning can occur in dogs, cats, and birds secondary to ingesting metal pieces (e.g., nuts, bolts, hardware and other galvanized metals), certain topical ointments (e.g., diaper rash creams), or coins. While some coins can be safely ingested and passed out in the stool a few days later, some types of coins contain large amounts of zinc, resulting in zinc poisoning. When the zinc-containing coin enters the acid environment of the stomach, the zinc breaks down, causing stomach upset and zinc absorption into the blood stream. Zinc poisoning can lead to destruction of red blood cells, liver damage, kidney failure and heart failure. Clinical signs of zinc poisoning include weakness, pale gums (anemia), vomiting, increased breathing, increased heart rate, discolored urine, jaundiced gums, lack of appetite, and collapse. Removal of the coin is important, or severe damage to the red blood cells can occur, resulting in a severe anemia. Without therapy, ingestion of a zinc penny can be fatal.
Researchers are still actively looking at methods for binding excess zinc in the circulation, similar to the way lead poisoning is treated, but this is not yet available.
Having a dog is way easier with a pack by your side. Wanna join ours? Get the subscription designed just for dog parents. (Itâs pretty much the best thing to happen since poop bags.)
A few years back, I saw a dog who had been vomiting for two days and his blood work revealed both anemia (low red blood-cell count) and elevated kidney values. There are many causes for these type of symptoms, including infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, inflammatory disease and toxins, just to name a few.
Humans arenât the only species with money troubles. As it turns out, pennies can be hazardous to your dogâs health. One-cent coins used to be made from 100 percent copper, which is nontoxic. In 1982, the government began minting pennies that were made mainly from zinc (much cheaper) and coated them with a thin layer of copper, keeping the look of a penny. When swallowed, the copper coating of the newer penny dissolves in the stomach acids, leaving a wafer of toxic zinc.
Since many pet parents donât realize that zinc is harmful, they might not be aware of some of the common ways pets have access to it. Beyond pennies, other potential sources of zinc include hardware such as nuts and bolts, dietary supplements, and zinc oxideâbased skin creams, such as diaper rash ointment and sunscreen.
My Dog Ate a Foreign Body! Now What?
Humans arenât the only species with money troubles. As it turns out, pennies can be hazardous to your dogâs health. One-cent coins used to be made from 100 percent copper, which is nontoxic. In 1982, the government began minting pennies that were made mainly from zinc (much cheaper) and coated them with a thin layer of copper, keeping the look of a penny. When swallowed, the copper coating of the newer penny dissolves in the stomach acids, leaving a wafer of toxic zinc.
A few years back, I saw a dog who had been vomiting for two days and his blood work revealed both anemia (low red blood-cell count) and elevated kidney values. There are many causes for these type of symptoms, including infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, inflammatory disease and toxins, just to name a few.
Their pet parent had no idea if heâd eaten anything out of the ordinary. X-rays revealed a round metallic object in the stomach. You guessed it: The dog ate a penny. The penny was removed non-surgically with an endoscope, and the dog recovered during the course of the week with intensive supportive care â a very expensive penny.
As in this case, you might not know what your dog ingested. Symptoms may show within a couple hours to a couple days after ingestion. If you think your dog ate something dangerous call your vet immediately or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888) 426-4435, or National Pet Poison Helpline (800) 213-6680.
Having a dog is way easier with a pack by your side. Wanna join ours? Get the subscription designed just for dog parents. (Itâs pretty much the best thing to happen since poop bags.)
Since many pet parents donât realize that zinc is harmful, they might not be aware of some of the common ways pets have access to it. Beyond pennies, other potential sources of zinc include hardware such as nuts and bolts, dietary supplements, and zinc oxideâbased skin creams, such as diaper rash ointment and sunscreen.
If an object possibly made of zinc is seen on a radiograph, it should be removed promptly. Supportive care then becomes crucial and includes fluid therapy to keep circulation to the kidneys adequate, helping to prevent failure.
A blood transfusion may be necessary to combat anemia. Anti-nausea medications are indicated, as well as stomach protectants (antacids and âcoatingâ medications), due to the corrosive nature of zinc.
Researchers are still actively looking at methods for binding excess zinc in the circulation, similar to the way lead poisoning is treated, but this is not yet available.
Many people are unaware of zinc toxicity syndrome and do not realize that pennies swallowed by dogs are far more dangerous than a âsimpleâ foreign body. As always, prevention is best.