Toxicity Guidelines

• Dogs: The mean convulsive dose in dogs is around 20 mg/kg IV, and the cumulative lethal (cardiotoxic) dose is around 80 mg/kg IV (REFS). The maximum dose proposed for dogs is 6–10 mg/kg (REFS) (Barletta and Reed, 2019). 

• Cats: The mean convulsive dose in cats is around 12 mg/kg IV, and the cumulative lethal (cardiotoxic) dose is around 50 mg/kg IV (REFS).  The maximum dose proposed for cats is  3–5mg/kg (REFS) (Barletta and Reed, 2019). 

• Rabbits:  We recommend a maximum therapeutic dose of 2 mg/kg per administration for rabbits regardless of route, with a maximum administration of 0.5 mg/kg at any site until clear information regarding toxic doses is available.  We regard 4mg/kg as a potentially toxic dose.

Managing Toxicity

• If signs of overdose are present, management must begin with the delivery of oxygen via a patent airway, as successful oxygen delivery may prevent convulsions caused by toxicity. Intravenous lipids may be helpful where available.