Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid exchanges its calcium for heavy metals (lead, zinc, manganese, iron) with higher binding affinity, forming stable, water-soluble complexes that are excreted renally, reducing toxic metal body burden.
At a glance
Class
Heavy Metal Chelating Agent
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C
Dosing
Treatment for lead toxicity (most common heavy metal poisoning in pets)
Frequency
q6h (up to 5 days, then 5 days off before repeating)
Lead toxicity less common in cats but occurs
Safety
BUN, creatinine, urinalysis q24–48hUrine lead levelsBlood lead levels before, during, after treatmentHydration status
Interactions
No documented interactions.
Brands
Other markets
Calcium Disodium Versenate
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA)?
Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) is a heavy metal chelating agent used in pets. Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid exchanges its calcium for heavy metals (lead, zinc, manganese, iron) with higher binding affinity, forming stable, water-soluble complexes that are excreted renally, reducing toxic metal body burden.
›What is Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) used for in pets?
Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) is used in veterinary medicine for: Treatment for lead toxicity (most common heavy metal poisoning in pets); Lead toxicity less common in cats but occurs.
›What is the Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) is typically dosed as follows — Treatment for lead toxicity (most common heavy metal poisoning in pets): 25–27.5 mg/kg SQ/IV (diluted) q6h (up to 5 days, then 5 days off before repeating). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) dose for cats?
For cats, Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) is typically dosed as follows — Lead toxicity less common in cats but occurs: 25 mg/kg SQ q6h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) need a prescription?
Yes. Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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