Haematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations Induced by Ivermectin in Donkeys (Equus asinus

Abstract

The current study was conducted to assess the pharmacotoxic effects of repeated administration of Ivermectin (Intermectin 1%) injection formulation in male donkeys. The various haematological, biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were noted. Two groups each of six of male donkeys were utilized in the current investigation. Following fasting for 48 hours, Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously at the neck region either at the recommended dose level 200 g/kg (T1) or at 5 times the recommended dose. 1000 g/kg (T2) body weight for seven successive days to one of the groups, respectively. Ivermectin was found to pose risks of renal and hepato-toxicity in donkeys, since the biochemical parameters of liver function (aspartate aminotransferase "AST" activity, alanine aminotransferase activity "ALT") and kidney function (urea concentration) were severely affected. Changes in biochemical parameters were more intense in donkeys from group T2 than those reported in group T1. Four animals out of six died following treatment in group T2. The level of ALT, AST, and urea were significantly elevated in donkeys from group T2 when compared to the pretreatment values. Post-mortem and histopathological examination ensured biochemical alterations of liver and kidneys. Likewise, some haematological indices: erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and PCV, were also influenced. In conclusion the repeated administration of Ivermectin injection formulation at five times the recommended dose is fatal to donkeys.  2013 Sudan University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved