A TRIAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEWLY BORN CALVES WITH ENTERITIS BY FLORFENICOL | ||||
| Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 May 2025 PDF (712.66 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Research article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/avmj.2025.368445.1628 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
LOBNA El-GEBALY1; AMAL EL-ZOGHBY2; AMR EL-SAMAHY3; NASHWA A. OMAR  3
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| 1Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Tanta Branch, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. | ||||
| 2Pharmacology Unit., Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Tanta Branch, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. | ||||
| 3Biochemistry and Feed Deficiency Unit., Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Tanta Branch, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) represents a significant economic burden in cattle farms, primarily associated with severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances. This study investigated the comparative pharmacodynamic effects of florfenicol myotherapy versus combined florfenicol and oral rehydration powder (ORP) therapy in managing NCD, focusing on hepatorenal function, immune response, and mineral homeostasis in diarrheic calves. This study enrolled a total of 20 native mixed-breed calves, aged 2-3 weeks, and randomly allocated them into four equal groups (n=5 per group). G1 served as a negative control group comprising clinically healthy calves. G2 served as a positive control group consisting of untreated diarrheic calves (fecal score ≥3/5). G3 included diarrheic calves treated with therapeutic doses of florfenicol, while G4 involved diarrheic calves subjected to therapeutic doses of florfenicol and ORP. Bacteriological analysis identified four E. coli serotypes (O26, O55, O115, and O146) with prevalence rates of 37.03%, 29.62%, 18.51%, and 14.81%, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamycin, ceftriaxone, and florfenicol revealed that florfenicol demonstrated the highest efficacy against the isolated pathogens and was therefore selected for therapeutic intervention. Untreated diarrheic calves exhibited significant hepatorenal dysfunction, marked by elevated liver enzymes and altered renal function parameters, alongside disturbed mineral homeostasis. While using florfenicol alone was effective against bacteria, it caused a noticeable increase in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney markers (serum urea and creatinine). Conversely, the combination therapy maintained optimal electrolyte balance and showed only transient elevations in IgM and IgG levels, compared to sustained increases observed in mono-therapy. The florfenicol-ORP combination greatly reduced the negative effects linked to using florfenicol alone, while maintaining immunological and mineral balance. These findings suggest that using a combined treatment approach might be the best way to treat NCD, possibly lowering complications and improving clinical outcomes. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Florfenicol; ORP; Pharmacodynamic; Diarrhea; Calves | ||||
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