In 1983, the US Government began minting pennies made of zinc wafers coated in copper rather than out of pure copper. As it is not uncommon for young animals to swallow pennies, zinc toxicity became recognized.
Other zinc sources include nuts, bolts, and zinc oxide based skin creams (such as diaper rash cream and sun screen). One may see a penny or other radio dense object of about the right size on a radiograph or there may be a known history of penny eating. It is important to rule out immune-mediated hemolysis as this is a common condition requiring specific treatment.
Clinical Signs
The clinical signs of zinc toxicosis include:
vomiting
diarrhea
red urine
icterus (yellow mucous membranes)
liver failure
kidney failure
anemia