Battery toxicity in pets

substance: Acid, alkaline, lithium or nickel-cadmium

categories:

Others

symptoms:

Abdominal pain / Anorexia / Dehydration / Depression / Hyperthermia / Melena / Vomiting

# Description

Batteries are common household items that can be highly toxic to pets if chewed or ingested, especially button or small cylindrical batteries. They contain corrosive chemicals like alkaline or acidic substances, as well as heavy metals such as lithium, zinc, or mercury. When a pet bites into or ingests a battery, it can cause severe chemical burns, heavy metal toxicity, and even electrical injuries in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

# How it works

When a battery is ruptured, it may leak alkaline or acidic substances that can ulcerate any exposed tissue. Button or disc-shaped batteries pose an added risk, as they can cause electrical burns if an electric current passes through the tissue, potentially leading to necrosis or perforation. Batteries may also contain metals like lead, zinc, mercury, cobalt, and cadmium in their casings, which can contribute to toxicity.

# Symptoms

Mouth burns: Visible burns or ulcers on the lips, tongue, or gums.

Drooling or pawing at the mouth: Due to pain or irritation.

Teeth discoloration.

Vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain: Resulting from GI discomfort or toxicity.

Melena: Indicating internal bleeding in severe case

If GI perforation occurs: ascites, fever, lethargy, acute abdomen.

# Treatment

Emesis is contraindicated due to the increased risk of battery leakage.

Activated charcoal is also contraindicated, as it does not bind to battery contents, increases the risk of vomiting, and can make ulcerations harder to detect during endoscopy.

Immediate removal of the battery is necessary:

from the esophagus using endoscopy
from the stomach with endoscopy if the battery is intact
with surgical intervention if it is leaking or present in small intestine.

Symptomatic treatment: gastroprotectants (H2 blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, sucralfate), pain management (opioids), antimicrobials (if ulceration occurs), IV fluids.

# Prognosis

If you suspect your pet has ingested or chewed a battery, it’s crucial to seek veterinary help immediately. The prognosis is good if the battery is removed quickly, but it becomes guarded to poor if removal is delayed, depending on whether perforation has occurred.

Symptoms