Doramectin intoxication in malnourished 15-month-old cattleABSTRACT:
Macrocyclic lactones are widely used as endectocides in farm animals. Intoxications occur in situations of overdose and/or malnutrition, in young animals, and in genetically sensitive breeds. We describe the intoxication by doramectin in malnourished 15-month-old cattle that received 1.6 times the recommended dose. The animals presented salivation, ataxia, motor incoordination, reluctance to move, and sternal recumbency. Two animals recovered spontaneously; one died and was necropsied. No gross or microscopic changes were observed. This study suggests that doramectin may cause intoxication when administered to malnourished cattle in doses higher than those recommended and that knowing the history is essential to establish a diagnosis.
INDEX TERMS: Cattle; doramectin; neurological signs; toxicity