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Veterinary Radiology

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1 year old Miniature Schnauzer

September 7, 2015 By Allison Zwingenberger

This week we have a 1 year old female Miniature Schnauzer who has been lethargic and anorexic for two days. Take a look at the images and post your comments and questions.

R LAT Abdomen
L LAT Abdomen
VD Abdomen

Show findings...

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.

Show diagnosis…

Diagnosis

Gastric foreign body – zinc toxicity

Show discussion…

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.

Case originally posted on June 19, 2009

Filed Under: Abdomen, Canine, Case of the Day, Radiographs

Comments

  1. vet74 says

    June 19, 2009 at 4:26 pm

    There is a radiopaque FB in the pyloric antrum. On the left lateral view it does not fall to the dependent side, which suggests that it is lodged in there.
    The SI loops are distended with fluid, but still measure within normal limits.
    I am not sure, but the peritoneal details may be increased, which may indicate pneumoperitoneum.

  2. Vet76 says

    June 21, 2009 at 11:14 pm

    There is a metalic object in the pyloric antrum that has the appereance of a coin or a washer. Given the history of dark urine I would be suspicious of a zinc toxicity. Does blood work show any suggestion of hemolysis? Regardless, the patient will benefit from a endoscopy in an attempt to remove the foreign body. The metalic object appear to have a soft tissue halo on VD view but I believe that it is gastric wall inflammation (please correct me if I am wrong). I would try to palpate the object if I am not able to do so I would still do endoscopy first ( if i have the resources) and if unsucessful I will consider exploratory laparotomy. All pending on the clinical picture of the patient.

    In reference to suggestions about our weakness I believe that the abdominal foreign bodies are the most challenging cases for me. In the last 2 months the clinic where I work had 3 cases that were manage pretty conservative and patient end up death due to peritonitis. In order words I would be really interested in picking up small details in plain radiography that would be suggestive of a linear or an obstructive foreign body (mostly on early stages).

  3. Allison Zwingenberger says

    June 22, 2009 at 9:09 am

    Right, there is a gastric foreign body that looks like a coin. The center of it has been dissolved by the gastric acid creating a radiolucent area. Zinc toxicity is particular to American pennies post 1983. There is a clue in the history given within the case that might help you with the diagnosis.

    I agree that gastrointestinal obstructions take some practice to recognize. I’ll see if I can put something together for improving your skills.

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