Calcium EDTA (CaNa2EDTA) is a common chelating agent used as part of chelation therapy to remove heavy metals from the bird s body--most commonly related to lead or zinc poisoning. There are more safer alternative chelating agents however, such as succimer. Calcium EDTA is potentially nephrotoxic, must be administered parenterally because if given orally it actually enhances the absorption of lead from the GI tract. Calcium EDTA also chelates important necessary minerals from the bird s body, such as zinc. Any birds with existing neurological signs will initially worsen after receiving treatment with Calcium EDTA.
Caution: It is important that only the calcium salt of EDTA be used, to avoid calcium chelation and hypocalcemia.