Distribution of Flumequine in Intestinal Contents and Colon Tissue in Pigs after Its Therapeutic Use in the Drinking Water

Abstract

Flumequine concentrations in plasma, colon tissue and intestinal contents were evaluated in 12 healthy pigs after oral administration (12 mg/kg every 24 h for 5 consecutive days in drinking water). Plasma, colon tissue and intestinal content samples were collected from animals sacrificed on days 3, 6 and 7. Concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography after having validated the method, following the European Medicines Agency (EMA) requirements. The drug was not detected in any plasma sample. In colon tissue, concentrations were higher on day 3 (0.230 ± 0.033 µg/g, descending colon; 0.156 ± 0.093 µg/g, ascending colon) than on day 6 (0.187 ± 0.123 µg/g, descending colon; 0.107 ± 0.007 µg/g, ascending colon). Concentrations were considerably higher in intestinal contents, again on day 3 (1.349 ± 1.401 µg/g, descending colon; 0.591 ± 0.209 µg/g, ascending colon) than on days 6 (0.979 ± 0.346 µg/g, descending colon; 0.595 ± 0.075 µg/g, ascending colon) and 7 (0.247 ± 0.172 µg/g, descending colon; 0.172 ± 0.086 µg/g, ascending colon). Measured concentrations were lower than those effective against the most common intestinal pathogenic microorganisms in swine and, more specifically, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.