Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin Plasma Concentrations in Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) After Enrofloxacin Administration in Drinking Water

• DOI: 10.1647/2003-020
• Publication Date: 2006-07-21T03:08:04Z
• Authors: Michelle R. Bowman; Jennifer A. Waldoch; Jeanne Marie Pittman; Mark G. Papich; Barry K. Hartup
• Keywords: 0403 veterinary science; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; 6. Clean water; 3. Good health

Abstract Bacterial diseases are common in captive cranes. Administration of antimicrobial drugs in the drinking water could provide a nonstressful means of treatment in these birds. This preliminary study was conducted to determine if therapeutic plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin, its primary active metabolite ciprofloxacin, or both, could be achieved and maintained in sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) after administration in drinking water at a concentration of 50 ppm. Drinking water medicated with enrofloxacin was provided ad libitum to 8 healthy sandhill cranes (4 housed individually and 4 housed in pairs) for 14 days. Mean enrofloxacin plasma concentrations (±SD) were 0.03 (±0.02), 0.03 (±0.02), 0.02 (±0.01), and 0.01 (±0.00) μg/ml on days 2, 6, 10, and 14, respectively. Mean ciprofloxacin plasma concentrations paralleled those of enrofloxacin but were slightly lower, ranging from 0.01 to 0.02 μg/ml. Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations both were below accepted therapeutic plasma concentr...