BIOMEDICAL PROFILE OF GENTAMICIN INTOXICATION IN GOATS

Subclinicaltoxicity was induced in 5 goats by i/m gentamicin @ 35 mg/k g b wt daily in 2 divided doses for 10 days. Serum analysis revealed m arked elevation in uric acid concentration without any alteration, ill the levels of urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine (CR). There were sign ificant increases in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and dec rease in serum total protein, sodium and potassium levels. Serum calci um and inorganic phosphorus levels remained largely unaltered. Urinaly sis revealed significant decrease in specific gravity, mild proteinuri a (1+), few granular/epithelial casts and markedly increased activity of ALP without any alteration in the concentration of UN, Cr and Pi. M ost of the alterations in different parametres of serum and urine samp les were recorded on day 10 followed by their gradual return to normal values suggesting recovery of animals from the toxic effect of gentam icin after its withdrawal. The determination of urine ALP activity for diagnosis of renal insufficiency was found to be a dependable test ev en in cases of subclinical nephrotoxicity.