Zinc poisoning

Canvasback, Aythya valisineria, Chesapeake Bay, liver Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica, zinc-poisoned 41 FW 56... 

Newt, Triturus cristatus, adults, held in tank with a zinc-plated base South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis 200 to 3000 overa 7-day period Zinc-poisoned newts were lethargic, ate poorly, and had skin darkening prior to death. Zinc residues were elevated in kidney, brain, liver, and intestine, when compared to controls. The hippocampus region of the brain of poisoned newts contained zinc-rich cells 82... 

By day 30 posttreatment, 20% had died. The mean weight loss was 33% in dead birds and 22% in survivors. About 83% of survivors developed signs of zinc poisoning (Grandy etal. 1968). 

Signs of chronic zinc poisoning evident after 12-14 months. Signs included reduced appetite, emaciation, submandibular edema, diarrhea, moderate anemia, elevated serum zinc (4.3-6.0 mg/L vs. normal 1.8-2.1), liver Zn (420-1600 mg/kg DW vs. normal 72-248), kidney Zn (910-1680 mg/kg DW vs. normal 40-114), and low serum calcium and magnesium. 

Zinc-poisoned oral route, (lethal) dose unspecified... 

Domestic ewe, age 5 years, found moribund, suspected zinc poisoning Elevated zinc levels (mg/kg DW) in liver of 650 vs. 144 in controls, and in kidney 760 vs. 84 in controls muscle residues same as controls, i.e., 154 vs. 158 generalized jaundice liver degeneration and blockage of bile ducts. 18... 

Found dead, zinc-poisoned naturally Zinc concentrations, in mg/kg DW, were 463 in liver (vs. 165 in controls), 274 in kidney (vs. 150 in controls), and 752 in pancreas (vs. 88 in controls). 19... 

In mammals, large differences are evident between and within species in resistance to zinc poisoning and in sensitivity to zinc nutritional needs (Table 9.9). Adverse effects of excess dietary... 

Although tissue residues are not yet reliable indicators of zinc contamination, zinc poisoning usually occurs in birds when liver or kidney contains >2.1 g Zn/kg DW, and in mammals when concentrations, in mg Zn/kg DW, exceed 274 in kidney, 465 in liver, or 752 in pancreas. The proposed air quality criterion for human health protection is <5 mg Zn/m3, but guinea pigs were more sensitive with adverse effects evident at >0.8 to 4.0 mg/m3. 

Wentink, G.H., T.J. Spierenburg, G.J. de Graaf, and A.C.A. van Exsel. 1985. A case of chronic zinc poisoning in calves fed with zinc-contaminated roughage. Veterin. Quar. 7 153-157. 

Zinc poisoning may occur after consumption of products stored in zinc-coated containers. For instance, a dish of curried poultry, which was a source of zinc poisoning, was found to contain 1.0 pg per g. Poisoning may be also caused if the carency period after application of zinc pesticides is not observed. 

Symptoms of acute zinc poisoning include acute gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and heaviness in chest. 

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