Edetate Calcium Disodium
Also known as: Calcium Disodium Versenate, Calcium Vitis, Calciumedetat-Heyl, Chelante, Chelintox, Ledclair, CaEDTA
Heavy metal poisoning (such as from eating pennies, lead paint, or metallic hardware) is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency. * **Hospitalization Required:** Because of the potential toxicity of this antidote and the severity of heavy metal intoxication, your pet will likely need to stay in the hospital for close professional supervision, injections, and IV fluids. * **Kidney Protection:** The drug works by binding the metal and forcing it out through the urine. IV fluids are critical to help flush the kidneys and protect them from damage. * **Multiple Treatments:** Treatment often requires several days of injections, followed by a rest period, and potentially another round of injections depending on follow-up blood tests.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Lead poisoning (Psittacines)
- Lead poisoning (Raptors/Falcons)
- Lead or zinc poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Zinc toxicity
- Lead or zinc toxicity
- Heavy metal toxicity (Chinchillas)
- Lead poisoning
- Lead or zinc toxicity
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
- Lead poisoning
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Renal toxicity (renal tubular necrosis)
- Depression (dogs)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Zinc deficiency (with chronic therapy)
- Pain at IM injection site
Cautions & contraindications
- Patients with anuria
- Oral (PO) administration in the presence of lead in the GI tract (enhances absorption)
- Use with **extreme caution** in patients with diminished renal function; dosage adjustments are required. In small animals, the **SC route is strongly preferred**. IV administration has been associated with abrupt increases in CSF pressure and death in human pediatric patients with lead-induced cerebral edema. **Do not administer orally** if lead is still present in the GI tract, as it will facilitate systemic absorption of the lead. Remove lead from the GI tract (via emesis, endoscopy, or surgery) prior to starting chelation. Ensure adequate hydration to protect the kidneys, but avoid overhydration in animals showing clinical signs of cerebral edema.
Drug interactions
- Glucocorticoids: May enhance the renal toxicity of CaEDTA
- Insulin (NPH, PZI): Concurrent administration will decrease the sustained action of the insulin preparation due to zinc chelation
- Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides, amphotericin B): Increased risk of nephrotoxicity; use with extreme caution
Frequently asked questions
What is Edetate Calcium Disodium used for in pets?
Heavy metal poisoning (such as from eating pennies, lead paint, or metallic hardware) is a serious, potentially life-threatening emergency. * **Hospitalization Required:** Because of the potential toxicity of this antidote and the severity of heavy metal intoxication, your pet will likely need to stay in the hospital for close professional supervision, injections, and IV fluids. * **Kidney Protection:** The drug works by binding the metal and forcing it out through the urine. IV fluids are critical to help flush the kidneys and protect them from damage. * **Multiple Treatments:** Treatment often requires several days of injections, followed by a rest period, and potentially another round of injections depending on follow-up blood tests.
Is Edetate Calcium Disodium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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