Chemical
Lead (old paint, fishing weights, curtain weights, some toys)
Contact a vet promptly if a lead object has been swallowed or chewed, even without obvious symptoms.
SevereDogsBirdsCats
What to do right now
- 1.Remove any remaining lead objects from the environment
- 2.Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home
- 3.Phone your veterinary practice to arrange an assessment and blood lead level testing
Symptoms
- Vomiting and abdominal pain
- Lethargy and weakness
- Behavioural changes or disorientation
- Seizures
- Anaemia over time
Details
- Category
- Chemical
- Toxicity
- Severe
- Species affected
- Dogs, Birds, Cats
- Routes of exposure
- Chewing flaking old paint, swallowing fishing weights or curtain weights, or gnawing lead-containing objects
- Urgency
- Contact a vet promptly if a lead object has been swallowed or chewed, even without obvious symptoms.
Veterinary treatment
Lead accumulates in the body and affects the nervous system and red blood cells. Diagnosis relies on blood lead levels and X-rays to locate retained fragments, with chelation therapy used in confirmed cases.