BATTERY TOXICITY (BUTTON & LITHIUM BATTERIES) IN DOGS/CATS
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Chewing or swallowing batteries can cause chemical burns, heavy metal poisoning, or electrical injury. Button batteries can burn through the esophagus in minutes.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD OR SELF-LIMITING CAUSES
• Chewing intact alkaline batteries (still can be serious)
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Swallowing a small battery
• Mild drooling, pawing at mouth
EMERGENCY CAUSES (HIGH CONCERN)
• Lithium button batteries (severe burns)
• Batteries crushed by chewing
• Bloody drool
• Vomiting
• Pain on swallowing
• Rapid deterioration in cats
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Any swallowed battery
• Drooling or mouth burns
• Gagging or choking
• Blood from mouth
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Do NOT induce vomiting
• Remove remaining battery fragments
• Seek immediate veterinary care
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• X-rays to locate the battery
• Endoscopic removal
• Treatment for chemical burns
• GI protectants
• Heavy metal screening
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES (BASED ON 40 YEARS OF CASES)
• Caustic burns
• Esophageal injury
• Zinc toxicity