EVALUATION OF CLINICAL AND BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF DEXAMETHASONE IN GOAT SPECIES

Abstract

Dexamethasone, a member of glucocorticoides, is commonly used in the treatment of various metabolic and inflammatory disorders and in emergency situations in farm animals. Beside its beneficial effects, the drug has potential adverse effects associated with high doses and long-term therapy. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and blood biochemical effects of dexamethasone administered intramuscularly at the high dose rate of 4 mg   kg^-1. Body weight for 5 days in goats. Blood samples were collected before and on day 5 after the last drug administration at different time points for 96 h. The results showed that dexamethasone administration increased pulse rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, 48 h and at 5, 6, and 24 h as compared to 0 h. Respiratory rate increased at 2, 3 and 24 h and at 4, 5, 6 h post dexamethasone administration compared to pre-administration (0 h). During the experiment, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, defecation and weight loss were noticed in all animals. Serum glucose concentration (mg/dl) increased significantly at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h post administration of dexamethasone. Serum concentrations (mEq/L) decreased for phosphorus from 1–12 h, and for potassium from (1–48 h) at various time points after treatment compared to pre-treatment (0 h). However, serum sodium level remained unchanged before and after the treatment. In conclusion, intramuscular administration of high dosed dexamethasone exerted significant effects on clinical and biochemical parameters in goats, which were drug associated and the values returned to normal as the drug cleared from the body.