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Zinc-Induced Copper Deficiency in Growing Cats

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There was circumstantial evidence that growing kittens developed neurologic symptoms and fading coat colour due to zinc-induced copper deficiency caused by ingestion of zinc from the galvanized iron of cages to which they had been confined since birth. Clinical symptoms developed at about 4-5 months of age. Fading coat colour was observed before the onset of neurologic symptoms in several kittens.

Species affected: Feline

Symptoms: Abnormal proprioceptive positioning; Ataxia (incoordination, staggering, falling); Poliosis (general or focal); Dysmetria (hypermetria, hypometria); Lordosis; Paraparesis (weakness, paralysis) in both hind limbs; Seizures or syncope, convulsions, fits, collapse;

Public health importance: Not applicable.

References

  1. Cummings J.E. and Kovacic J.P., 2009, “The ubiquitous role of zinc in health and disease,” Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care; 19:215-240 [Web Reference]
  2. Hendricks W.H., et. al., 2001, “Suspected zinc-induced copper deficiency in growing kittens exposed to galvanised iron,” New Zealand Veterinary Journal; 49:68-72 [Web Reference]
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