Exposure to lead in dogs follows the same socioeconomic parameters as it does in people. Pets and people living in economically depressed areas are more likely to have significant exposure than those in upper class environs. The signs of lead toxicity in dogs primarily involve the gastrointestinal and neurologic systems. Vomiting and diarrhea are common, loss of appetite and abdominal pain are seen as well. Dogs with central nervous system involvement can exhibit lethargy, blindness, and seizures.
Signs can be acute or chronic, depending on the type of exposure that has ocurred.
The definitive diagnosis of lead toxicosis is usually based on finding elevated blood lead levels, greater than 0.4 parts per million indicates toxicity. The presence of abnormal red blood cells in the blood sample can also be a clue that lead poisoning is involved. Treatment of lead poisoning can be problematic. Obviously the source of the lead exposure must be removed. The gastrointestinal system can be evacuated with the use of cathartics, lead foreign bodies in the GI tract can be surgically removed.