If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
Diazepam
Generic Name: diazepam
Brand Names: Valium, Diastat
Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used as tranquilizing sedatives in medical practice. While it is also used in veterinary practice, diazepam may be toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested in large quantities.
It is important to note that other benzodiazepines (such as midazolam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and oxazepam) carry similar toxicity risks.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: decreased heart rate, involuntary muscle movement, confusion, disorientation, aggression, excitation, low blood pressure, and very low body temperature.
Toxic consumption: There is no established toxic threshold for pet consumption. All incidents of accidental exposure should be reported immediately.
References:
– Center SA, Elston TH, Rowland PH, et al. Fulminant hepatic failure associated with oral administration of diazepam in 11 cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996; 209:618-625.
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
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