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Button (disc) batteries
lithium coin cells, alkaline batteries
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
A disc battery lodged in the oesophagus burns tissue by electrical current even when intact; a chewed or leaking alkaline battery releases potassium hydroxide (deep liquefactive necrosis). Obstruction is possible.
Onset
Ulcers within 1-2 hours; the full extent of injury by up to 24 hours; the perforation risk peaks 3-14 days later; strictures at 4-6 weeks.
Clinical signs
Drooling, difficulty swallowing, grey-white or red oral burns, vomiting, pain in the mouth or abdomen, stridor, dyspnoea, loss of appetite.
Organs affected
Mouth, oesophagus, stomach and intestine; trachea if inhaled.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Radiograph the neck, chest and abdomen. Endoscopic removal from the oesophagus, and of any leaking battery. Activated charcoal is not indicated. Omeprazole and sucralfate, opioid analgesia, no NSAIDs; antibiotics for ulceration; a feeding tube if needed. Emesis is contraindicated with corrosive (leaking) contents; for an intact battery already in the stomach the decision rests with the veterinarian.
In the reference: Omeprazole, Sucralfate
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Dangers and veterinary treatments for household battery ingestion. aspcapro.org 2025
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Dangers of batteries and your pets: what you should know. aspca.org news 2018
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. ASPCA Poison Control tox cards. aspcapro.org 2025
- Reference book. Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Pharmacy. Small animal toxins. vet.cornell.edu
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
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This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026