Safety of Simultaneous Administration of Diminazene aceturate and Sulphadimidine Sodium in Donkeys

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the safety of repeated administration of Diminazene aceturate (Berenil) and/or Sulphadimidine sodium in donkeys. For this purpose 18 healthy male donkeys, 4-10 years of age were allocated into three treatment groups, each of 6 animals. The first group was treated with Diminazene aceturate at a dose rate of 3.5 mg/kg intramuscularly for three successive days, animals in the second group were subjected to treatment with sulphadimidine sodium at a dose rate of 3 ml/10 kg for three consecutive days, while the third group had been subjected to treatment with combination of the two drugs Diminazene aceturate and sulphadimidine sodium with the same previous doses for three successive days. Animals were monitored for two hours following each administration of the drugs. Blood samples were collected before (Baseline), during (1, 2, and 3), and at (5, 7, and 10) days following the first treatment to evaluate some haematological (PCV, RBCs, and HB) and blood biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, Bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and the effectiveness of liver enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase ALT and Aspartate aminotransferase enzyme AST), calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium). Results obtained showed fluctuation in the parameters tested but still the values were within the normal reference values reported in donkeys. It is to be concluded that administration of diminazene aceturate, Sulphadimidine sodium alone or in combination for three continuous days is safe in healthy donkeys.