Heavy Metals That Cause Low WBC in Pets

Heavy metal poisoning can occur in pets, as well as in humans. Although widely termed "heavy metal poisoning," not all toxic elements involved are elementally heavy or even metals. In pets, this type of poisoning can damage bone marrow cells, in addition to being toxic to other body tissues. The production of white blood cells (WBCs) occurs in the bone marrow. Consequently, damage to the bone marrow by these elements can cause low WBC counts, known clinically as leukopenia or neutropenia.

  1. Mercury

    • Mercury can accumulate in water as a result of industrial activity.

      Identified in Japan in 1956, doctors traced Minimata disease to water contaminated with methyl mercury. The mercury in turn had contaminated the fish local residents were eating. In 1977, Michigan State University researcher Tadao Takeuchi discovered Minimata disease in cats on a Northwestern Ontario reserve in Canada. Fed a diet consisting primarily of fish from the contaminated English River, local cats were ill with high levels of mercury. Any pet fed fish is at risk for environmental mercury exposure. Treatment for mercury heavy metal poisoning involves chelation therapy with dimercaprol.

    Lead

    • Lead can be found in decorative stained glass.

      Dogs and birds are the pets most often presenting with lead poisoning. This heavy metal poisoning typically occurs from long-term exposure to lead found in the pet's environment. Contact comes from eating or chewing on toys decorated with lead paint, discarded batteries, costume jewelry, fishing weights, or shotgun pellets. Treatment involves the use of injectable calcium EDTA and thiamine to help remove the lead from the pet's body.

    Arsenic

    • Environmental arsenic can leach from rock into well water.

      Before 1989, arsenic in roach bait was a frequent cause of accidental pet poisoning. Since then, water has been the most common source of arsenic poisoning. Found naturally in mineral deposits, arsenic can dissolve and contaminate groundwater. Pets that drink from these sources may develop arsenic toxicity. Safely disposing of old roach bait and providing drinking water that has tested as safe will protect your pets. Treatment for arsenic heavy metal poisoning involves activated charcoal if the animal recently ate the arsenic. After that, treatment is supportive and includes monitoring and extra fluids to help the animal excrete the arsenic.