Experimental chloramphenicol intoxication in neonatal calves: intravenous administration

Chloramphenicol was administered intravenously for eight to 17 days to five newborn calves at a daily dosage of 100 mg kg-1. Haemodynamic, haematological, blood chemistry, serum enzyme, urinalysis and clinical responses were evaluated. High levels of serum chloramphenicol were observed throughout the study although a marked increase in elimination rate was seen with increasing age. The most severe adverse effects were severe hypotension following rapid intravenous administration and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction with diarrhoea accompanying prolonged high dosage. There appeared to have been a haematological effect in one calf, but it was of minor significance compared with the other effects.