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05/10/2007

Zinc Intoxication in Dogs: 19 Cases (1991-2003)

Zinc intoxication in dogs: 19 cases (1991-2003)

This study was done to help determine physical examination findings, clinicopathologic changes and prognosis in dogs with zinc toxicosis. In a retrospective case series, 19 dogs with zinc toxicosis were studied.
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. 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 two days.
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.
Source: C.M. Gurnee, K.J. Drobatz and M.J. Ryan, 2007. Zinc intoxication in dogs: 19 cases (1991-2003). JAVMA 230(8):1174-1179.

Comment from Nature's Logic: Added zinc is found in virtually all commercial pet foods, including many treats and pet supplements. Many of the forms used are chemically synthesized or industrial by-products. Some common names of these forms of added zinc are zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc chloride, zinc chloride diammine, zinc oxide, and zinc sulphate. The AAFCO Nutrient Profile for dogs establishes a maximum of added zinc in diets due to its known toxic potential at high levels. AFFCO also notes other potential contaminants found in many mineral feed supplements, including zinc, such as arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, and antimony. The FDA has also found high levels of dioxin in zinc oxide on a number of occasions.  

Nature's Logic is the only commercially prepared pet food in which all product categories are 100% free of any added chemically synthesized forms of vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. All required nutrients in Nature's Logic come from its high inclusion rate of all natural whole foods. For example, the natural zinc found in Nature's Logic diets comes from ingredients such as meat, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and brewer's yeast. Nature's Logic believes strongly that this is the safe and logical way to make an all natural pet food.