The Symptoms of Lead Paint Poisoning in a Pet

Lead is extremely common in the home and environment, including lead-based paints. Toxicity from lead affects pets in multiple ways due to interference with enzymes in the body that disturb and weaken the blood cells. Most often, younger pets are affected by lead toxicity because of their curiosity to chew on anything.

  1. Neurological Symptoms

    • Lead-based paint poisoning affects the nervous system with signs of seizures, muscle spasms, constant circling and chomping. The pet may exhibit behavior changes and hysteria and seem to be disoriented. If the effected pet is pregnant, the lead affects the placenta and milk production, passing the toxins onto the fetuses.

    Gastrointestinal Symptoms

    • Most often, the effected pet loses appetite, has abdominal pain, may have a tendency to vomi, and will either be constipated and/or have diarrhea. Some pets develop an enlarged esophagus with a decreased ability to pass food down to the stomach, causing regurgitation reflexes.

    Significance

    • Lead-based paints can also disturb the immune system, with the pet being more prone to infections. Lead can also enter the tissues of internal organs and in the bones. Lead deposited in the bones can remain there despite treatment, causing high levels of lead, subjecting the pet to long term therapy. The lead inhibits the normal growth of the bones such as the femur, tibia, humerus and radius.

    Considerations

    • If the pet exhibits any of the symptoms described, call your veterinarian immediately for full diagnostic tests. A treatment plan will be prescribed which will include a chelating agent which binds the lead in the blood, allowing it to leave the body.