PHARMACOKINETICS OF CADMIUM IN EWES - A PRELIMINARY-STUDY

A pharmacokinetic analysis of cadmium was carried out by administering cadmium chloride iv to 3 ewes. Each received 0.033, 0.1 and 0.33 mg c admium/kg body weight, with each administration separated by 21 d. Pha rmacokinetic parameters were determined using a 3-compartment open mod el (multiple dosage analysis). The half life of elimination reached 40 to 50 d, the body clearance was 0.3 to 0.4 L/kg/d, and the steady-sta te volume of distribution was 6 to 28 L/kg. The invariability of the v alues of the elimination parameters and the good fitting of the mathem atical model to the experimental values are in agreement with linear k inetics for cadmium in the ewe.