Iron is a mineral which is vital for a balanced diet and the good health of most living organisms--in trace amounts. If the levels of iron in the blood get too high, a condition known as iron toxicity can occur. Iron poisoning can be a dangerous and even life-threatening condition if not properly treated. Iron toxicity occurs in humans, but dogs and other animals may suffer from it as well. Treatment methods differ depending on the amount of iron ingested and the time frame.
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False Recovery
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If you do nothing after your dog first exhibits signs of iron toxicity, he may appear to recover on his own. However, this is not the case. Instead, within approximately 24 hours, symptoms will return in force. The first of these is usually diarrhea, along with shock and liver failure. Your dog might also suffer from bleeding disorders and coma may not be far behind. An immediate response and speedy veterinary care is key in treating iron toxicity in dogs.
Immediate Measures
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Dogs love to eat and chew, meaning that often, they accidentally ingest something that is not good for them. It could be their owners' dietary supplements, plant fertilizers or numerous other iron-containing materials. If your dog has ingested too much iron, it may take six to 12 hours for symptoms such as vomiting, dark urine or bloody diarrhea to become apparent. If you think your dog has iron toxicity, encourage him to vomit and give him Milk of Magnesia, an antacid which may help to slow the absorption of iron into the gastrointestinal tract. You may also give him milk, water or eggs before quickly taking him to your veterinarian for further care.
Fluids
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Your veterinarian most likely will continue your first aid procedures, giving your dog more Milk of Magnesia and continuing to induce vomiting. He may also perform gastric lavage, a process more commonly known as stomach pumping, which entails washing out the dog's stomach with a water or saltwater solution. He will then closely monitor your dog's iron levels, and may give more liquids, such as intravenous fluids, as needed. In more acute cases, a blood transfusion or oxygen may be necessary.
Deferoxamine
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Another possible veterinary treatment is deferoxamine, a substance which chelates the iron, bonding to it and forming a ring around it to prevent its absorption and help remove it from the bloodstream. This could cause your dog's urine to turn reddish brown, but that is simply an indication that the iron is being eliminated from his system. Some veterinarians may use vitamin C to help the deferoxamine chelate the iron; but never give your dog vitamin C alone, as it increases the absorption of iron.
Effects and Prevention
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After overcoming iron toxicity, your dog could have a few gastrointestinal issues or decreased liver function. He probably will need to be on medications and have a special diet for the rest of his life. Of course, the best way to treat your dog's iron toxicity is to make sure he never suffers from it. Keep any medicines or supplements designed for humans away from your dog, and consult your veterinarian before giving any canine dietary supplements. If these supplements are recommended, watch your dog closely for the early signs of iron toxicity.
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