ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/dimercaprol-bal
US brand names:BAL in Oil
Dimercaprol (BAL) is dosed at 2.5–5 mg/kg IM q4-6h initially, then q12h in african grey parrots, per Tully TN. Psittacine therapeutics. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2000;3:59-90. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Dithiol compound that chelates arsenic, gold, mercury, and lead by forming stable ring complexes excreted via bile and urine.
Painful IM injection. Peanut oil vehicle — avoid in peanut-allergic patients. Hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Hypertensive crisis possible. Keep patient NPO during treatment.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 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) | IM | 2.5–5 mg/kg | q4h x 2 days, then q12h until recovery | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed (2023) [DB cites 9th], printed p.401, DOGS & CATS 'Arsenic toxicosis'; concordant with BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th Ed Part A, printed p.127 (PDF p.143) — EDITION NOTE 2026-08-06: this rule's Plumb's reference names the 9th edition, which is not held and was never consulted. The held copy is the 10th ed (2023). The Plumb's line was never confirmed against the held edition, so rely on it only as background; any other source named in this citation is unaffected.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.