EN
Although iron deficiency anemia is the most common problem of dietary supplementation in some animals, effects of iron overdose on health are still neglected in veterinary medicine. Acute iron poisoning (usually with dramatic clinical signs) occurs primarily in dogs as a result of accidental ingestion of iron salts from medicines/pharmaceuticals intended for humans or ferrous lawn sands. Acute iron toxicosis also occurs in foals, calves and piglets after administration of iron compounds (e.g. Ferrodex) during the first days of life. The main reason for chronic iron poisoning is uncontrolled administration (usually without consultation with a veterinary surgeon) of different conditioners or pharmaceuticals enriched with iron compounds. This happens mostly in dogs and horses that receive a lot of nutrient supplements. Gastric lavages and chelation therapy with deferoxamine are routinely recommended in the management of poisoned patients.