Drug administration
The parenteral (e.g. intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intra-articular) or oral routes are used most commonly to administer drugs to donkeys. The choice of administration route depends on a number of factors, such as the need for dose titration and the expected onset and duration of action (see table below). Aseptic technique needs to be strictly practised for intra-articular administration since the consequences of intra-articular sepsis are particularly severe. Drugs can also be applied topically for local effects. However systemic action can occur following the administration of drugs by this route, e.g. atropine has systemic effects following ophthalmic administration.
| intravenous (i.v.) | intramuscular (i.m.)/ subcutaneous (s.c.) | per os, oral (p.o.) |
| Rapidly produces high drug concentrations in the circulation | I.m. gives better and more consistent absorption than s.c. | Rate and extent of absorption can be highly variable |
| Can titrate to effect(e.g. anaesthetics) | No more than 30ml per injection site | Bioavailability of drugs can be substantially decreased |
| Increased chance of adverse reactions | Donkeys less sensitive to local side effects (irritation, infection) than horses | Absorption can be delayed or biphasic due to adsorption onto feed |
| Bioavailability 100% | . | Usually safe |
References
- Horspool, L. (2008) Clinical pharmacology In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 12
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