ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/deferoxamine
US brand names:Desferal
Deferoxamine is dosed at 100 mg/kg SC, IM q24h up to 3.5 mo in african grey parrots, per 516. Laniesse D, Beaufrère H. Iron storage disease. In: Graham J, eds. 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Avian; Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2016:156-157. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.469 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine — ISBN 9781119149231, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781119149231. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Chelates free ferric (Fe3+) iron forming ferrioxamine which is renally excreted. Does not remove iron from hemoglobin or cytochromes.
Specific antidote for iron toxicosis. IV CRI preferred. Vin rosé colored urine indicates adequate chelation. Hypotension with rapid IV infusion. Anuric patients: may need dialysis.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Deferoxamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 10–15 mg/kg/hCRI | Iron toxicosis | Moderate | Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.373 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 10–15 mg/kg/hCRI | Iron toxicosis |
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 10–15 mg/kg/h | CRI | Moderate | Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.373 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 10–15 mg/kg/h | CRI | Weak |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Brutlag AG, Flint CTC, Puschner B. Iron intoxication in a dog consequent to the ingestion of oxygen absorber sachets in pet treat packaging. J Medical Toxicol. 2012;8(1):76-79. doi:10.1007/s13181-011-0201-3 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.373 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.346, Deferoxamine monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
Iron toxicosis
Iron toxicosis