Coccidiosis continues to be one of the most serious diseases in poultry breeding, causing major economic losses in this industry. Many trials are conducted to prevent and control this disease. However, only a few medications are approved for use in the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis. Ionophore coccidiostats (e.g. salinomycin and narasin) act by altering the transmembrane movement of monovalent or divalent ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Rb+, Cs+), resulting in altered ionic gradients and disturbed physiological processes in coccidia. In broiler and turkey breeding, these agents are used for nearly the whole fattening period. Ionophore coccidiostats have a narrow safety margin. Their toxicity is probably due to a disturbed ion balance or to oxidative damage. Although ionophore coccidiostats are considered to be relatively safe for target animals, there are numerous reports of poisoning cases caused by these medications in birds. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the toxicity of salinomycin and narasin in turkeys. It reviews the data concerning the symptoms, mortality rate and possible causes of poisoning with these agents. Moreover, the paper discusses the legal regulations regarding the use of these drugs in poultry.
The aim of this paper was to analyze the role of melatonin (MLT) in acute and chronic pain states, and to describe the profile of melatonin as a potential analgesic. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is the main pineal neurohormone involved in many physiological and endocrine functions, as well as in behavioral states in humans and animals. One may mention functions such as the regulation of circadian rhythm, sleep, mood, processes of reproduction, immune response, and aging. The distribution of MLT receptors in the spinal cord and in many other regions of the brain associated with receiving pain impulses, indirectly confirms the possible involvement of indoleamine in the phenomenon of pain. In clinical studies, MLT has been shown to have analgesic benefits in patients with acute and chronic pain (migraine, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome). In preliminary studies, it has also been suggested that MLT may have potent analgesic and anxiolytic properties in the perioperative period.
Tiamulin, a semi-synthetic antibiotic agent, is exclusively used in veterinary medicine and is rapidly distributed in the body and intensively metabolized in the liver. The aim of the study was to estimate the residue levels of tiamulin metabolite in pigs. tissues after oral and intramuscular administration. The experiment was carried out on 38 pbz breed weaners, divided into two groups. One of the groups was administered Tiamowet 45% granulate orally at a dose of 24 mg/kg b.w./day, and the other was administered Tiamowet 200 intramuscularly at a dose of 15 mg/kg b.w./day. Both drugs were taken for 5 days. The weaners from both groups were slaughtered on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 following the end of drug administration. Samples of tested tissues from the livers and muscles were isolated in order to measure the residue marker level. 8-α-hydroxymutilin residues were estimated according to the GC method by Marcus and Sherma in their own modification. A validation method procedure was also carried out. The GC experiment showed that 8-a-hydroxymutilin concentration in the tested muscles attains a lower level than that of MRL i.e. 100 µg/kg on day 10 following intramuscular Tiamowet 200 preparation administration and on day 12 following oral Tiamowet 45% granulate administration.
The aim of the study was to develop a sensitive analytical method that enables to determine cefacetril concentration in milk after its application to the udders, as well as to establish and compare cefacetril’s basic pharmacokinetic indicators after its intramammary application to cows with inflammed and healthy udders. The content of cefacetril was determined with the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Usefulness of the developed analytical method in the studies of pharmacokinetics of cefacetril has been demonstrated. Results obtained during the statistical analysis and bacteriological examinations allowed to regard the antibiotic as an accurately selected medical product used in the treatment of mastitis in cows.
A validation method is a key element in both the elaboration of reference methods and the assessment of a laboratory's competence in producing reliable analytical data. The aim of the study was to validate the GC method (according to Marcus and Sherma), which is used in determining 8-α-hydroxymutilin in a biological matrix (swine tissues: liver and muscles). The fundamental parameters for validation, including accuracy, precision, selectivity, sensivity, reproductibility and stability, were estimated. The studies confirmed the usefulness of the GC method for determining tiamulin residues in swine tissues.
The article describes the possibility of using melatonin in cases of neoplastic diseases in animals. Most observational studies show an association between melatonin and cancer in animals and humans. The mechanisms by which melatonin may act in this way have not been fully elucidated. The oncostatic action of melatonin in mammary cancer, as well as in uterine and prostate cancer, may result from the modulating effect on the enzymes involved in the local synthesis of estrogens. Many biological effects of melatonin, including antitumor activity, are caused by the activation of membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2), connected with regulatory proteins (G proteins). Other possible anti-cancer mechanisms include anti-angiogenic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, protection from oxidative damage, and immunostimulation. Many studies confirm the efficacy and safety of melatonin in cancer treatment. Melatonin can be used with chemotherapy in animals not only to support the action of anticancer drugs, but also to reduce their toxicity.