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Mothballs (naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene)
naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene (PDB)
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Toxic | Paradichlorobenzene LD50 about 500 mg/kg; no dose for naphthalene in dogs or cats in the open sources. Reference book A veterinary reference written and reviewed by specialists, summarising accepted practice. The product label gives the authorised dose. |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
Naphthalene damages the liver, kidneys and red blood cells (haemolysis, methaemoglobinaemia, rare in dogs and cats). Paradichlorobenzene is an organochlorine; the two are told apart because their effects differ.
Onset
Not stated by the sources.
Clinical signs
Vomiting, abdominal pain, liver and kidney damage, haemolytic anaemia; with paradichlorobenzene also tremors and seizures.
Organs affected
Digestive tract, central nervous system, liver, kidneys, red blood cells.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Prompt decontamination of the digestive tract, fluid diuresis, benzodiazepines for seizures, supportive care.
In the reference: Diazepam, Midazolam
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Hepatotoxicant table. aspcapro.org 2020
- Reference book. Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Pharmacy. Small animal toxins. vet.cornell.edu
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Backyard chickens dos and don'ts (mothballs). aspca.org news 2021
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.
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