Biochemical and haematological alterations following repeated administration of cefotaxime in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

In the present study, the blood biochemical and haematological alterations following repeated administration of cefotaxime (13 mg/kg, first by iv, followed by im route 8 hourly for 5 days) were investigated in buffalo calves during year 2000. All animals were free from any adverse/visible toxic symptoms during and after the experimental period, and did not produce any reaction either systemic or local. There was no significant change in plasma levels of asparate aminotransferase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins and creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. The level of alanine aminotransferase (nmol pyruvate formed/min/ml) was decreased from day 4(16.7±6.31) onward as compared to the 0 day control value (35.4±3.04). The altered value of alanine aminotransferase returned to normal level on 21^st day. Also there was no significant alteration in any haematological parameters except decrease in haemoglobin level. The effect on Hb was recorded on day 5, when the Hb level was decreased to 6.15±0.80 g/dl, as compared to 0 day value of 12.8±1.15 g/dl. The results revealed that in practice, the administration of cefotaxime may be continued upto 5 days with careful monitoring of haemoglobin.