Fluoroquinolones changes in the articular cartilage especially with high doses and more than two weeks use. Due to relatively excessive use of enrofloxacin in the sheep flocks, this study was done to investigate the effects of enrofloxacin on some changes in growing lam
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Fluoroquinolones changes in the articular cartilage especially with high doses and more than two weeks use. Due to relatively excessive use of enrofloxacin in the sheep flocks, this study was done to investigate the effects of enrofloxacin on some changes in growing lamb articular cartilage to evaluate some possible mechanisms involved these changes. Twelve ,2 month – old male lambs divided in three groups: control group received only normal saline; therapeutic group received 5mg/kg enrofloxacin subcutaneously, daily, for 15 days and toxic group received 35 mg/kg enrofloxacin as the same manner as therapeutic group. Twenty four hours after the last dose, the animals were slaughtered and their stifle joints were dissected. After gross examine, sampling were done quickly for further microscopic studies. Histological sections were evaluated morphometrically and histochemically. Macroscopic changes such as cartilage flaps were seen only in toxic group. Microscopic changes were included the presence of spindle – shaped cells and cavitation in matrix, decreases of total cartilage thickness and chondrocyte numbers, increases of empty lacunae numbers, decreases of matrix proteoglycans and carbohydrates. Some of these changes were observed in therapeutic group with less intensity in comparison to toxic group. Results of this study showed enrofloxacin use in growing lambs even at recommended therapeutic dose, is not completely safe on articular cartilage.
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