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Treatment

Fluids will be given to the dog in high doses to help correct the shock and to correct the acidosis that is occurring in the dog's blood stream. If possible, the additional unabsorbed iron pills will be removed from your dog's stomach, either by using antiemetic drugs to induce vomiting, or by performing a gastric lavage. This latter method is done with a saline solution that is slowly pumped into the stomach cavity to wash the contents of the stomach out. The contents are removed in small amounts using another tube.

Living and Management

It is important to monitor the dog's blood enzymes and liver enzymes following the treatment. Your veterinarian will schedule a follow-up exam to test your dog's blood to make sure that the iron levels have been controlled. It is also important for you to observe your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal obstruction following the iron toxicity, as the digestive system may react to the toxicity or the medical procedures that were used to resolve the toxicity.