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.