Related Experiment Videos
Paralysis in lambs caused by overdosing with parbendazole
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
|September 1, 1981
Summary
An overdose of the anthelmintic parbendazole given to pregnant ewes can cause paralysis and brain lesions in lambs. This study details the neurological and skeletal abnormalities observed in offspring following maternal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Neurology
Background:
- Anthelmintics are crucial for livestock health.
- Understanding drug safety during pregnancy is vital.
- Previous research has not detailed parbendazole's teratogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if parbendazole overdose in pregnant ewes causes lamb paralysis.
- To document neurological and skeletal abnormalities in lambs exposed to parbendazole in utero.
Main Methods:
- Ewes were treated with parbendazole (180 mg/kg) during early gestation.
- Lambs were monitored for congenital abnormalities and neurological signs.
- Affected lambs underwent necropsy and histopathological examination.
Main Results:
- 5 out of 68 lambs exhibited paralysis syndrome.
- Skeletal deformities (5) and ataxia (2) were also observed.
- Cerebral hypoplasia, hydrocephaly, and spinal cord lesions were identified in affected lambs.
Conclusions:
- Pardbendazole overdose during early pregnancy can induce paralysis and brain lesions in lambs.
- This is the first report linking parbendazole overdose to specific brain abnormalities in lambs.
- Findings highlight potential risks of anthelmintic overdose during gestation.