Hematological and Biochemical Changes Following Double Dose Administration of Florfenicol in Goats

Florfenicol is a broad spectrum antibiotic used clinically in treatment of many diseases in domesticated animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Florfenicol (20mg/Kg) injected twice intramuscularly with 48 hr. dosing interval on hematological and biochemical parameters in 5 baladi goats. The results revealed significant increase in total leukocytic count on 1st (P< 0.01), 7th and 14th (P<0.05) days post administration of the second dose. Lymphocytes and monocytes displayed significant increase on 1st (P<0.05) and 7th (P< 0.01) days post administration. No significant differences were observed between RBCs, PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC values pre and post administration of florfenicol. Total protein and globulin serum levels significantly increased (P< 0.001) on 1st day post administration of the second dose. AST serum levels displayed significant increase (P<0.05) together with ALT serum level (P< 0.001) on 1st day post administration of Florfenicol. Bilirubin, G-GT, ALP, urea and uric acids showed non significant changes. creatinine serum level significantly increased (P< 0.001) on 7th day post administration of Florenicol. It is concluded that Florfenicol enhanced total leukocytes specially lymphocytes and monocytes while it had mild transient effects on liver and kidney functions.