Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Zinc poisoning in 19 dogs with vomiting and anemia
By Gurnee, Carolyn M & Drobatz, Kenneth J·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2007·Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Zinc intoxication in dogs: 19 cases (1991-2003).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 19 dogs, mostly young small breeds, were brought in for vomiting and dark urine after ingesting zinc, which can be toxic. Tests showed that all the dogs had anemia, and many had elevated bilirubin levels, indicating liver stress. Fortunately, with prompt treatment, 17 of the dogs recovered well and only needed to stay in the hospital for about two days. If you suspect your dog has eaten something containing zinc, it's important to seek veterinary care quickly.
People also search for: dog vomiting dark urine zinc poisoning · symptoms of zinc toxicity in dogs · treatment for dog anemia from zinc
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine physical examination findings, clinicopathologic changes, and prognosis in dogs with zinc toxicosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 19 dogs with zinc toxicosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records from 1991 through 2003 were searched for animals with a diagnosis of zinc toxicosis. Information concerning signalment, body weight, historical findings, initial owner complaints, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, blood zinc concentrations, source of zinc, treatments given, duration of hospital stay, and outcome was collected. RESULTS: Records of 19 dogs with zinc toxicosis were reviewed. The most common historical findings were vomiting (n = 14) and pigmenturia (12). The most common clinicopathologic findings were anemia (n = 19) and hyperbilirubinemia (12). Median age was 1.3 years, and median weight was 5.6 kg (12.3 lb). The prognosis was favorable, with 17 dogs surviving after a median hospital stay of 2 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hemolytic anemia as a result of zinc toxicosis appeared to affect young small-breed dogs more frequently than older large-breed dogs. The prognosis with treatment is good, and most affected dogs had a short hospital stay.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17501656/