Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with severe anemia after swallowing zinc toy recovers
By Bexfield, Nicholas et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2007·Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Heinz body haemolytic anaemia in a dog secondary to ingestion of a zinc toy: a case report.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old Labrador retriever was brought to the vet because he was extremely tired and had pale gums and yellowing of the skin. Tests showed he had a severe type of anemia caused by the presence of Heinz bodies, which are abnormal red blood cells, and high levels of zinc in his blood. The dog had vomited a metal toy made mostly of zinc three days earlier. After receiving supportive care, the dog's condition improved, with fewer Heinz bodies and better blood counts, leading to a full recovery.
People also search for: dog lethargy and pale gums · zinc toxicity in dogs · Labrador anemia treatment
Abstract
A 6-year-old Labrador retriever was referred for investigation of severe lethargy and suspected immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. Clinical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and jaundice. Haematology demonstrated large numbers of Heinz bodies and a marked anaemia, which was strongly regenerative. Serum zinc concentrations were markedly elevated. Analysis of a metal toy vomited by the dog 3 days prior to presentation revealed it to be composed of almost pure zinc. A diagnosis of haemolytic anaemia secondary to acute zinc toxicity was made and supportive therapy instigated. There was a subsequent decrease in numbers of Heinz bodies and a rise in the haematocrit, and the dog made an uneventful recovery. Acute zinc toxicity resulting in haemolytic anaemia is rarely observed, and this case was also unusual in that the main clinicopathological finding was the presence of numerous Heinz bodies without other evidence of oxidative damage to red blood cells.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307371/