Which of the following is a source of zinc toxicosis?

• A. Pennies minted after 1983
• B. Lead-based paint
• C. Tin cans
• D. Glass jars

Answer: (A)

Zinc toxicosis happens when an animal ingests zinc-containing material, releasing zinc into the body and causing multi-system effects. Pennies minted after 1983 are mostly zinc with a thin copper plating, so swallowing one or more can introduce a large amount of zinc and lead to toxicity. This is a well-known source of zinc toxicosis in pets, especially dogs. In contrast, lead-based paint involves lead poisoning, tin cans are not a zinc source, and glass jars contain no zinc. Clinically, zinc toxicosis often presents with gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and anorexia and can progress to hemolytic anemia from zinc‑induced oxidative damage, making pennies minted after 1983 the best answer.