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Potential for animals to become ill from prolonged licking of galvanized steel pipes

I am searching for the potential for animals to become ill from prolonged licking of galvanized steel pipes (maybe acid in saliva or their urine breaks it down releasing toxins - I don't know). I know this sounds crazy, but I volunteer for a foundation with tigers. Part of their caging is galvanized steel, they have been vomiting off and on for awhile and they lick the pipes. I am seeking a connection as the vet is stumped and I need to help the cats.

Becky Harris
- Fernley, Nevada
2006

It depends on corrosion type and water (maybe chlorine is added to it).ferric chloride is toxic compound-try to find MSDS data for possible corrosion products(ferric chloride, if water is chlorinated, zinc chloride, zinc carbonate, rust).Animals are more sensitive to that compounds(compared with adult humans).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Croatia
2006

It depends also in the post treatment of the galvanized part.

If the wire was electroplated, chances are they have hexavalent chrome.

Guillermo Castorena G.
Jobshop - San Luis Potosí, México
2006

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