Sterile Injectable Solution

DIN 00611891

For the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia in baby pigs.

Iron Dextran Injection Caution

This product is not a substitute for sound animal husbandry practices. If disease is suspected or apparent in your pigs. consult a veterinarian.

Directions For Use

Description

Iron-Dextran Injectable is a sterile solution containing 100 mg. of elemental iron per cc., as ferric hydroxide in complex with a low molecular weight dextran fraction. Contains 0.5% phenol as a preservative. Unopened packages are stable indefinitely at room temperature. Even though the iron content is high, viscosity (sticking syringe) is not a problem.

Pig Anemia Can Cause Death

Iron deficiency is the main cause of baby pig anemia. Pigs are born with only small amounts of iron (approx. 50 mg.) in their bodies. In order to maintain health and realize maximum growth, a baby pig must receive, from outside sources, 7 mg. of iron per day for the first three weeks of life. The sow’s milk, regardless of the feed she eats, can supply only about 1 mg. of additional iron per pig per day. Thus, the need for a readily available outside iron source is apparent. Without this additional iron, over 90% of the newborn pigs may develop anemia within the first few days of life. Anemia lowers the body defenses against disease, allowing for scours, pneumonia, and other conditions to develop. Pig anemia can cause death, and is capable of destroying entire fitters.

Pig Anemia Retards Growth

It has been shown by many investigators that pig anemia retards growth. Infrequent oral doses of iron do not allow for maximum pig performance. Many studies have shown that pigs injected with Iron-Dextran complex gain-up to 35% faster than untreated littermates. A single 1 cc. dose of Iron-Dextran Injectable (100 mg.) on or before 3 days of age gives weight gains equal or superior to that obtained with up to five weekly oral iron treatments.

Dosage

For prevention, of Pig Anemia-1 cc. intramuscularly per pig on or before 3 days of age.

For treatment of Pig Anemia-Prevention is always superior to treatment since anemia can cause irreversible liver damage and result in permanently stunted pigs. Where treatment is necessary, the recommended dose is 1 to 2 cc. intramuscularly as soon as symptoms appear.

How To Inject

WHAT TO USE

1. Iron-Dextran Injectable

2. Ordinary 10 cc. syringe

3. 1/2 inch-20 gauge needle

4. Disinfectant (rubbing alcohol or tincture of iodine)

5. Cotton

HOW TO USE

1. Sterilize needles and syringes by boiling in water for 15 to 20 minutes before use.

2. Remove tear-off aluminium cap from the vial of Iron-Dextran Injectable and swab rubber stopper with disinfectant.

3. With plunger extended, attach the needle to the syringe and pierce the rubber diaphragm.

4. Press plunger in, forcing air into vial.

5. With needle tip in the solution, invert the vial and draw the desired volume of solution into the syringe with a steady slow pull on the plunger.

Where To Use

Iron-Dextran Injectable is for intramuscular use. The preferred site of injection is the ham muscle. Push the needle directly into the ham to approximately a one-half (1/2) inch depth. Avoid injection into a blood vessel. This is best avoided by pulling back slightly on the plunger after the needle is seated in the ham. If properly located, resistance will be offered to this effort. If the plunger is pulled back easily, remove and relocate the needle.

STEP 1 - The pig is held underarm, between knees, or by an assistant. Apply disinfectant to the injection site with cotton. Pull down on skin and fat with thumb as shown. Approximately halfway along a line between the anus and thumb is the best injection site.

STEP 2 - Before injecting Iron-Dextran Injectable, point the needle upward, and gently press the plunger to expel all air from syringe. The needle is inserted of right angle to the skin into the ham to approximately a one-half (1/2) inch depth and the injection made.

STEP 3 - The needle should always be protected from contamination. Do not lay it on sills, ledges, etc. between injections. Hold in hand. Between injections, wipe needle thoroughly with fresh cotton moistened with disinfectant.

General Information

Iron-Dextran Injectable, when used as directed, fulfills all the requirements of the ideal injectable iron preparation. It is quickly absorbed, completely utilized and non-toxic. Iron-Dextran Injectable provides high hemoglobin levels for the critical three-week period and when used in proper dosages, “booster” doses are seldom necessary.

Iron Dextran Injection Caution

Years of experience have proven that usual baby pig losses are concentrated in the first three weeks of life. Overlaying and such diseases as joint ill, scours, and hypoglycemia, are most damaging during this period. Anemia may increase the susceptibility of the baby pig to these conditions. Iron-Dextran Injectable, by preventing anemia, thus also contributes to the prevention of these conditions. It should not, however, be considered a cure-all.

In acute anemia (which is most likely to occur in the more rapidly growing pigs), heart weakness may be a factor. Rough handling, and crowding during injection procedures should thus be avoided.

Iron-Dextran Injectable, upon injection, participates very intimately with many vital body processes. For this reason, its indiscriminate use in the treatment of disease is not indicated. If any abnormal condition is suspected or apparent, call your veterinarian before administration.

Side Effects:. Acute poisoning which may result in fatalities in extreme cases, is characterized clinically by prostration and muscular weakness.

NOTICE: Organic iron preparations injected intramuscularly into pigs beyond 4 weeks of age may cause staining of muscle tissue.

FOR VETERINARY USE ONLY

Net 100 mL

Dominion Veterinary Laboratories Ltd., 1199 Sanford Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3A1

NAC No.: 11810302