Comparative studies of the effects of quinuronium sulfate and diminazene diaceturate in sheep.

Biochemical parameters in 20 sheep were investigated following administration of quinuronium sulfate or diminazene diaceturate. The usual signs of salivation, micturition, anorexia, depression, muscular tremors and ataxia were observed within 20 min in sheep receiving therapeutic and double doses of quinuronium sulfate. There was an increased dose dependent plasma LDH activity above baseline values following administration of quinuronium sulfate and a non-dose dependent increased trend in diminazene diaceturate treatment. Plasma CK activity had an increased trend (p less than 0.05) above baseline values following administration of the two babesicides. Plasma BUN levels increased significantly (p less than 0.05) following administration of the two drugs. This study indicated that quinuronium sulfate is more organotoxic and hypotensive than diminazene diaceturate at therapeutic and/or above therapeutic dosages.