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Calcium EDTA (CaEDTA)

Prescription
Heavy Metal Chelating Agent
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

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
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 30°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Treatment for lead toxicity (most common heavy metal poisoning in pets)
Dose
25–27.5 mg/kg
Route
SQ, IV (diluted)
Frequency
q6h (up to 5 days, then 5 days off before repeating)
🐈

Cat

Lead toxicity less common in cats but occurs
Dose
25 mg/kg
Route
SQ
Frequency
q6h
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. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

BUN, creatinine, urinalysis q24–48hUrine lead levelsBlood lead levels before, during, after treatmentHydration status
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. Find a vet near you →

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.
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. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Heavy Metal Chelating Agent).

Succimer (DMSA)
Rx
Dimercaptosuccinic acid — oral water-soluble chelator that forms stable complexes with lead, arsenic, and mercury via vicinal dithiol groups, promoting urinary excretion of chelated metals. Does not significantly chelate essential metals (zinc, copper) at therapeutic doses.
dogcat
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