Effect of dexamethasone on the leukogram of healthy sheep

Abstract

This study described the effects of dexamethasone on the leukogram of sheep. Ten healthy lambs, three to five months old, were used. In the first experiment, a single dose of dexamethasone (0,5 mg/ kg) was applied intramuscularly and blood samples were taken immediately before application, and 24, 48 and 72 hours after. In the second experiment, dexamethasone (0,5 mg/kg) was applied during three consecutive days (on hours 0, 24 and 48). Blood samples were taken immediately before each application and also 72, 96 and 120 hours after the first application. Total and differential white blood cells counts were made. The animals that received a single dose showed neutrophilia but no leukocytosis, and this change was observed only 24 hours after the application. The animals who received three doses showed leukocytosis 24 hours after the first dose and neutrophilia during the first two days. The neutrophil:lymphocyte relationship remained inverted 24 hours after the single dose and up to 48 hours after the third dose. It can be stated that in sheep medicated with dexamethasone the drug effects on leukocyte cynetics become absent 48 hours after the application of a single dose and 72 hours after the last application of consecutives doses during three days.

Keywords

• Corticosteroids; Hematology; Stress leukogram