Assessment of amikacin in treatment of calf diarrhea :Field study

Background Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting young calves, leading to substantial economic loss and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of amikacin in treating calf diarrhea by analyzing hematological profiles, as well as kidney and liver function indicators. Methods Twenty Holstein calves were randomly allocated to two equal groups (n=10 each). Group 1 served as the untreated control group, while Group 2 consisted of calves exhibiting clinical symptoms of diarrhea, which were administered amikacin intramuscularly at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight for three successive days. Results The findings revealed significant alterations in the total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin level (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and total leukocyte count (TLC) in the treated group compared to controls Conclusions The observed changes suggest that amikacin not only combats infection but also contributes to the restoration of physiological balance in affected calves. These findings support its use as a viable treatment option for neonatal calf diarrhea, although further studies are recommended to assess its long-term safety and optimal dosing strategies.