Detection of Enrofloxacin After Single-Dose Percutaneous Administration in Python regius, Boa constrictor imperator, and Acrantophis dumerili

Abstract

In this study, the blood concentrations of enrofloxacin administered transdermally to 3 different reptilian species, Python regius, Acrantophis dumerili, and Boa constrictor imperator, at 50mg/kg was determined. The formulation used was a transdermal commercial vehicle, Pentravan cream, a hydrophilic base emulsion that uses the liposomal technique to penetrate the skin. The enrofloxacin was incorporated at 5wt% in the Pentravan cream, and the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the detected amounts of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin (0.33 and <0.15µg/mL, respectively) were below the limit of quantification. Enrofloxacin was detected in P. regius and B. constrictor, while ciprofloxacin was detected only in A. dumerili. Although the values were unquantifiable, this study confirms the absorption of enrofloxacin. Therefore, these findings suggests that enrofloxacin may be a candidate for treatment using the transdermal route in certain reptile species.