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. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.469 (2026-08-01).. 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
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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 | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed (2023) [DB cites 9th], printed p.401 (corpus PDF p.428), DOGS & CATS 'Arsenic toxicosis'; concordant with BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th Ed Part A, printed p.127 (PDF p.143) |
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