Metals and objects

Lead

lead paint, shot, fishing weights

A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.

If an animal has ingested this, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Species and toxic dose

Species	Risk	Toxic dose
Dog	Toxic	Lowest reported single lethal dose 300 mg/kg; chronic effects from about 1-3.3 mg/kg a day. Scientific article A study or review published in a scientific journal. Its findings apply to the animals and conditions it studied. Høgåsen HR, et al. Lead intoxication in dogs: risk assessment of feeding dogs trimmings of lead-shot game. BMC Veterinary Research 12:152 2016 ↗
Cat	Toxic	Not established in the open sources

Toxic principle

Lead binds protein thiol groups, takes the place of calcium and inhibits haem synthesis; it damages neurons. Stomach acid increases absorption, which is 5-15% in adults and up to 50% in the young.

Onset

Acute and chronic forms; the sources give no timeline.

Clinical signs

Digestive: vomiting, diarrhoea, colic, loss of appetite. Nervous: behaviour change, ataxia, tremors, intermittent seizures. Weight loss. Anaemia with basophilic stippling and nucleated red cells; blood lead of 40-60 µg/dl or more supports the diagnosis.

Organs affected

Digestive tract, central nervous system, blood, kidneys, bone.

Treatment principle (for veterinarians)

Remove lead from the gut before chelation (emesis, lavage, cathartics, enema, endoscopy or surgery); activated charcoal does not bind lead. Benzodiazepines for seizures. Chelation with calcium EDTA or succimer; penicillamine and dimercaprol are alternatives.

In the reference: Diazepam

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. Understanding and treating lead toxicosis. aspcapro.org 2025www.aspcapro.org
Scientific article. Høgåsen HR, et al. Lead intoxication in dogs: risk assessment of feeding dogs trimmings of lead-shot game. BMC Veterinary Research 12:152 2016pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

All toxic substances →Toxic medicines →

Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.

For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.

Trademarks belong to their owners; vetman is not affiliated with the manufacturers and receives no payment from them.

The database is protected under Chapter VII of the Law of Georgia on Copyright and Related Rights; automated or bulk copying is prohibited.

This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026

All of this shows in vetman as you prescribe

The dose for the patient's weight, registration in Georgia and controlled status, right on the prescription.