Neomycin toxicosis in calves

Calves (n = 4) were given neomycin (2.25 or 4.5 mg/kg) twice daily IM and were compared with 2 calves given penicillin IM. The 2 hallmarks of aminoglycoside toxicosis, nephrotoxicosis and ototoxicosis, were seen with both dosages of parenterally administered neomycin. Nephrotoxicosis was confirmed by abnormal findings in urinalysis (granular casts, proteinuria, low specific gravity), renal biopsy results (tubular degeneration and necrosis), and increased 24-hour amounts of urinary enzymes (alanine aminopeptidase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase). Azotemia, decreased creatinine clearance, polyuria, and polydipsia also were documented in calves given neomycin. Clinically, deafness was suspected in 2 calves and was documented by electrical auditory-evoked response tests. Abnormalities in partial thromboplastin times and renal residues of neomycin were seen in all 4 calves that were given neomycin, but not in calves that were given penicillin.