Gastrointestinal
| Document | Image Export |
|---|---|
History
1 year old female neutered Miniature Schnauzer with 2 day history of lethargy, anorexia and dark urine.
Findings
There is a rounded, metallic, disc-like structure within the stomach. The center of this metallic foreign body is radiolucent or perforated. There is a moderate amount of ingesta within the stomach as well. There is granular dense material within the colon. The remainder of the abdominal structures appear within normal limits.
Diagnosis
Gastric foreign body - zinc toxicity
Discussion
The USA Lincoln penny minted after 1983 is 97% zinc. The acid in the stomach dissolves the metal, causing the central radiolucent area in this case. The zinc toxicity results in hemolytic anemia.
The penny was not able to be removed via endoscopy, and a laparotomy and enterotomy were performed. This dog had a prior penny ingestion 6 months previously.