Can You Explain Zinc Posioning in Pets?
Q: In the American Profile insert for May 4-10, your "Ask the Vet" piece warns against "creams with zinc" because of "red blood cell problems." Isn't zinc is an essential nutrient for pets and added pet foods to promote good health? Can you explain this?
A: The amount of zinc in pets foods is not enough to be toxic. In order for zinc, or many other ingredients to be toxic, they must be ingested in high doses. If a large enough quantity of zinc is ingested, it can cause hemolytic anemia. This means that the red blood cells burst open and can not function properly. For example, pennies made after 1983 are over 97% zinc. If swallowed by an animal this can be enough to cause an anemia. Certain creams can also be a problem if enough is ingested.
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Comments (2)
allan rozelle March 20, 2009 11:25 PM
we have had two cocker spanials both have been put down due to hemolytic enema. the only zinc that they recived would have been in the canned dog food. Is this or could it be inherited from the parents?
Pam Owens March 22, 2009 4:53 PM
I have a 15-yr-old silver-shaded Persian cat who has come down with anemia. Always been an indoor cat and in excellent health receiving all vaccinations, shots, etc. every year. Her red blood cell count is way down and her hematocrit level way down. Needs a lot of iron and protein. How can I help her?
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