Zinc intoxication in dogs: 19 cases (1991-2003).
OBJECTIVE
To determine physical examination findings, clinicopathologic changes, and prognosis in dogs with zinc toxicosis.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
19 dogs with zinc toxicosis.


METHODS
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
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.
Gurnee
Carolyn M
CM
Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5438, USA.
Drobatz
Kenneth J
KJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000662:veterinary; D006932:Hyperbilirubinemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000506:poisoning*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D015032:Zinc / Q000506:poisoning*
D014131:Trace Elements; D015032:Zinc