Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome in healthy ducks

To determine pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome administered IV, IM, or PO to healthy ducks.

Thirty-six 2-month-old Muscovy ducks.

Ducks were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 12 birds each for a single IV, IM, or PO administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected before and at various intervals after each administration. Cefquinome concentration was determined by use of high-performance liquid chromatography at 268 nm with a UV detector, and pharmacokinetics were analyzed.

The disposition of cefquinome following IV or IM administration was best described by a 2-compartment model. After IV administration, mean ± SD elimination halflife was 1.57 ± 0.06 hours, clearance value was 0.22 ± 0.02 L/kg·h, and apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 0.41 ± 0.04 L/kg. After IM administration, elimination half-life was 1.79 ± 0.13 hours, peak concentration time was 0.38 ± 0.06 hours, peak drug concentration was 9.38 ± 1.61 μg/mL, and absolute mean ± SD bioavailability was 93.28 ± 13.89%. No cefquinome was detected in plasma after PO administration.

Results indicated that cefquinome was absorbed quickly and had excellent bioavailability after IM administration, but absorption after PO administration was poor.