Effects of lithium carbonate on carboplatin-induced thrombocytopenia in dogs

Mineral Composition of Dry Dog Foods: Impact on Nutrition and Potential Toxicity

Detailed mineral profile of a selection of commercially available complete dry dog foods was determined using ICP-MS (Se, Cu, Mn, Zn, and nonessential trace elements), flame photometry (Na and K) and atomic and molecular spectrophotometry (Ca, P, Mg, and Fe). The contribution of ingredients to the mineral composition was correlated to the food market segment. Results showed an oversupply of essential elements due to the energy density effect on feed intake. Additives contributed from 40.8 to 55.1% to the total trace elements contents. With the exception of Se, all trace elements were supplied above the nutritional requirements of adult dogs. Legal limits of Cu, Se, and Zn were surpassed. The content of nonessential trace elements included values in the range of nanograms to micrograms per kg, without surpassing safe upper limits. This work brings awareness to the need to find supplementation strategies that ensure nutritional adequacy and avoid waste.

Treatment of zinc toxicosis in a dog with chelation using d-penicillamine

OBJECTIVE

To describe chelation therapy with d-penicillamine for treatment of zinc toxicosis in a dog.

CASE SUMMARY

A 1.5-year-old intact female Maltese dog weighing 2.7 kg was presented with acute, progressive anorexia, lethargy, pigmenturia, and melena. The owner reported that the dog had ingested a hook from a dog leash made of a zinc-based alloy 9 days prior. A blood transfusion was administered and an abdominal radiograph revealed a metal-dense foreign body in the stomach. Laboratory findings revealed a serum zinc concentration of 1845.12 μg/dL (reference interval, 70-200 μg/dL) and a decreased hematocrit that remained low despite removal of the zinc foreign body. On day 3, another blood transfusion was performed and d-penicillamine therapy was instituted. After the administration of d-penicillamine, the clinical signs and hemogram progressively improved and the dog was discharged 2 days later. On day 9 after initial presentation, the hematocrit and platelet values were within normal limits and the serum zinc concentration was 280.16 μg/dL.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This case demonstrates the use of d-penicillamine in the treatment of zinc toxicosis. Serum zinc concentration appeared to decline more rapidly after administration of d-penicillamine than before chelation therapy. This is the first report to evaluate serial serum zinc concentrations before and during chelation therapy with d-penicillamine.