Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fox Terrier dog with lead poisoning from swallowing roof-washer
By Williams, J H & Williams, M C·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·1990·Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Lead poisoning in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A one-year-old spayed Fox Terrier was brought to the vet after showing nervous signs, which can include shaking or disorientation. X-rays showed a lead roof-washer in her stomach, which was removed during surgery. Although she initially improved with general treatment, she sadly passed away a few hours later. Tests revealed very high lead levels in her liver and kidneys, indicating severe poisoning. This case highlights the importance of using specific chelation therapy for dogs suspected of lead poisoning.
People also search for: dog lead poisoning symptoms · Fox Terrier nervous signs · lead poisoning treatment for dogs
Abstract
A case of lead poisoning caused by ingestion of a lead roof-washer is described in a one-year-old, spayed Fox Terrier bitch, presented with nervous signs, and basophilic stippling of red blood cells. Blood concentrations of lead were in the low toxic range. Radiography of the abdomen revealed radio-dense objects in the stomach, which on gastrotomy included a lead roof-washer. Prior to removal of the foreign bodies, the dog showed remarkable improvement on non-specific symptomatic treatment alone, and recovered well after surgery, only to die unexpectedly several hours later. Concentrations of lead in the liver and kidneys were extremely high, and histology revealed typical intracellular inclusions and organ degeneration. In the light of these findings, it is suggested that all cases of suspected or confirmed lead poisoning be given specific chelation therapy.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9022851/