What is the toxicity of iron?

Iron toxicity can be classified as corrosive or cellular. Ingested iron can have an extremely corrosive effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hematemesis, and diarrhea; patients may become hypovolemic because of significant fluid and blood loss.

Why is iron toxic in excess?

Iron is an essential mineral. However, like many other nutrients, it is harmful in high amounts. In fact, iron is so toxic that its absorption from the digestive tract is tightly controlled. For the most part, this minimizes the harmful effects of excess iron.

What level of iron is toxic to dogs?

Dogs can experience clinical signs of toxicity from consuming anywhere from 20 to 60 milligrams of iron per kilogram of body weight. Serious toxicity, including levels that are potentially life-threatening, can occur if a dog consumes upwards of 60 milligrams of iron per kilogram of body weight.

What is the antidote for iron?

Deferoxamine (desferal)–a new antidote for iron poisoning.

What is used to treat iron toxicity?

Medication Summary Deferoxamine (Desferal) is used for chelation of iron in both acute and chronic toxicity.

Why is free iron toxic?

Free iron in the blood is toxic to the body as it disrupts normal cell function, damaging organs such as the liver, stomach, and cardiovascular system. The human body has protective mechanisms in place to prevent excess free ferric iron from circulating the body.

What happens if my dog eats an iron pill?

Iron poisoning in dogs can range in severity of signs from vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain to more severe signs of shock, tremors, and potential cardiac and liver effects.

What happens if a dog gets too much iron?

Ingestion of >60 mg/kg of elemental iron is considered potentially serious and may result in GI hemorrhage as well as metabolic acidosis and elevated liver enzyme values. Death may result if an animal ingests 100 to 200 mg/kg of elemental iron and does not receive treatment.

How do you treat iron poisoning in dogs?

Treatment of Iron Poisoning in Dogs The veterinarian will give your dog IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and try to induce vomiting. They may also do a gastric lavage, which is done by pumping saline solution into your dog’s stomach to wash away the iron that has not been absorbed yet.

What is the antidote for iron overload?

Deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal)

How long does it take to get iron toxicity?

Iron Poisoning Symptoms Symptoms of iron poisoning usually become evident within 6 hours after an excessive amount of iron is swallowed. Iron corrodes your intestinal lining and is a direct irritant to the stomach.

Which drug treats iron toxicity?

What is iron toxicosis?

Iron, a heavy metal, is the most abundant trace mineral in the body. 1-3 Although iron is essential for the transport of oxygen, the presence of excess iron in the blood can lead to iron toxicosis.

What is the ionic state of iron?

Iron can exist in two ionic states—ferrous (Fe 2+) and ferric (Fe 3+ )—within the body. 1,3 Although ferrous iron is more readily absorbed by the body, both forms can be absorbed if they are ionized. 1,2 Metallic iron and iron oxide (i.e., rust) do not readily ionize; therefore, these forms are typically not problematic if ingested. 1,6

How do you calculate ferrous fumarate in cats?

For example, if a cat has ingested 10 tablets, each containing 32.5 mg of ferrous fumarate, the calculations would be performed as follows: To calculate the total amount of ferrous fumarate ingested, multiply 10 by 32.5, which equals 325 mg of ferrous fumarate.