Dogs & Cats also are impacted by lead poisoning. It is more common in dogs, but all animals are at risk. Your pets are closer to the ground and usually ingest lead from soil, batteries, golf balls, other household items, or from ceramic food bowls and lead-contaminated water.
Signs of Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Regurgitation
- Hysteria
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Blindness
- Tremors
- Vestibular abnormalities (rolling eyes) in cats
Treatment Options
- Removal of lead objects through x-rays to reveal foreign bodies and surgery
- Antacids to bind up the metal
- Drugs to treat resulting conditions such as anti-seizure medication and muscle relaxants
- Chelation (risky and causes acute kidney injury)