Presentation
Two-day history of lethargy, anorexia and dark urine.
Patient Data
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.
Metallic gastric foreign body consistent with a coin (penny).
Case 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. Other complications can include hepatotoxicity and gastritis.
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. The dark urine was caused by intravascular hemolysis (hematocrit 13.4%).
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