Acute renal failure associated with administration of excessive amounts of tetracycline in a cow
Vaala, W.E.; Ehnen, S.J.; Divers, T.J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 191(12): 1601-1603
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3693019 Document Number: 291982
High doses of intravenously and intramuscularly administered oxytetracycline were believed to be responsible for acute renal failure in a dehydrated cow. The cow had received 16 g of a long-acting oxytetracycline HCl preparation i/v, followed by i/m 26 g of oxytetracycline daily for 3 days. Signs of renal disease included oliguria, perirenal oedema, marked azotaemia, moderate proteinuria, tubular casts in urinary sediment, and inability to concentrate urine. Concurrent intravenous administration of fluids and diuretics (mannitol and furosemide) resulted in re-establishment of normal urine production. It is concluded that because of its nephrotoxic potential, oxytetracycline should be used cautiously and at recommended dosages in ruminants that have prerenal azotaemia or otherwise reduced renal function.