Toxic effects of mebendazole at high dose on the haematology of red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of mebendazole at high dose on the haematology of macropods. Experimental.


METHODS
Five red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) were dosed orally with mebendazole at 50 mg/kg/d for 5 to 6 days. Two control pademelons were dosed with water. Regular blood samples were taken for haematology over 20 days.


RESULTS
All four treated pademelons sampled at 5 days developed severe leucopenia and neutropenia, moderate lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinopenia and monocytopenia, as well as bone marrow aplasia within 5 to 11 days after the first mebendazole dose. Four pademelons died unexpectedly or became ill and were euthanased 5 to 11 days after the first dose while the other animal recovered after 5 days of illness. Necropsy revealed systemic infection with opportunistic enteric bacteria, non-suppurative inflammation in tissues, haemorrhage and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.


CONCLUSIONS
Red-legged pademelons rapidly develop bone-marrow aplasia and subsequent septicaemia after administration of high doses of mebendazole. Mebendazole at high doses should not be used for macropods.
Speare
R
R
Wildlife Disease Unit, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville 4811. richard.speare@jcu.edu.au
Skerratt
L F
LF
Berger
L
L
Johnson
P M
PM
D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008394:Marsupialia / Q000378:metabolism*; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*
D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D008463:Mebendazole