Alkaline Batteries and the Harm they Cause

PAWSITIVELY HELPFUL PET TIPS

WITH DR. DEB

"Alkaline Batteries and the Harm they Cause"

~Dry cell alkaline batteries, (include common AAA, AA, C, D and 9 volt sizes), contain a solution or gel oh alkaline chemicals.  These chemicals can cause TREMENDOUS CORROSIVE INJURY ON CONTACT WITH TISSUES if a dog or cat bites into the battery.

~Button or disc batteries found in hearing aids, watches, games, calculators and greeting cards can cause additional corrosive damage even if ingested intact and not leaking.

~ANY BATTERY CAN POSE A GREAT RISK OF GI OBSTRUCTION, especially if ingested whole.  The shape and small size of disc batteries can potentially cause them to become lodged in the esophagus if swallowed.

~Exposure to an alkaline material causes little to no pain initially unlike exposure to acid.  Thus, pets are not immediately deterred and may continue chewing the batteries causing damage in the mouth.  If the battery is chewed and then ingested, additional damage can occur in the esophagus and stomach.

~If a battery remains in the stomach long enough for the casing to break down, metals such as zinc or lead may be released leading to additional toxicosis.

~WHAT ARE SIGNS OF BATTERY EXPOSURE OR INGESTION: Within a few hours of exposure to a chewed battery, signs of irritation of the lips of tongue may occur, while actual ulceration may take up to 12 hours to fully develop.  Pets ingesting batteries may also have signs of lethargy, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, poor appetite, vomiting (possibly with blood), abdominal discomfort, fever and bloody feces.

~WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PET CHEWS OR INGEST A BATTERY?  CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN OR AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICE IMMEDIATELY! This type of foreign body ingestion is an instance when INDUCTION OF VOMITING CAN CAUSE EVEN GREATER DAMAGE!

~After receiving instructions from your veterinarian, you may be instructed to give your pet a small amount of MILK OR WATER right away to help dilute the corrosive material.  (2- 5tbsp for a 25# dog, and 3- 9tbsp for a 50# dog).  In the case of BUTTON BATTERY ingestion, giving repeated doses of water may delay and lessen the severity of lesions--(1/2tbsp for 25# dog and 1 1/2tbsp for a 50# dog repeated every 15 minutes).

~X-rays can be helpful as the battery's metal casings can be seen, so a determination can be quickly made about whether a battery has been ingested, and where it might be.

~Additional veterinary supportive care may be needed, as well as possible endoscopic retrieval or surgical removal of the batteries.  GI ulceration may necessitate long term supportive care with GI protectants.