Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after single intravenous and intramuscular injections

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (CFQ) following single intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injections of 2 mg/kg body weight in red-eared slider turtles. Plasma concentrations of CFQ were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed using noncompartmental methods. The pharmacokinetic parameters following IV injection were as follows: elimination half-life (t1/2λz) 21.73 ± 4.95 hr, volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss) 0.37 ± 0.11 L/kg, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) 163 ± 32 μg hr−1 ml−1, and total body clearance (ClT) 12.66 ± 2.51 ml hr−1 kg−1. The pharmacokinetic parameters after IM injection were as follows: peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 3.94 ± 0.84 μg/ml, time to peak concentration (Tmax) 3 hr, t1/2λz 26.90 ± 4.33 hr, and AUC0–∞ 145 ± 48 μg hr−1 ml−1. The bioavailability after IM injection was 88%. Data suggest that CFQ has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with a long half-life and a high bioavailability in red-eared slider turtles. Further studies are needed to establish a multiple dosage regimen and evaluate clinical efficacy.