Neškodljivost peroralne primjene sulfadimidin natrija u činčila (Chinchilla lanigera)

Safety of peroral sulfadimidine sodium (sulfamethazine) treatment was tested on two chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) groups. Sulfadimidine sodium was administered in drinking water to male chinchillas aged 5.5 to 7.5 months. Concentration of active ingredient in water was 960 and 1600 mg/l, respectively. During the initial five days the animals were drinking non-medicated water and, subsequently, over five consecutive days, water with sulfadimidine sodium. Sulfadimidine sodium, in concentrations of 960 and 1600 mg/l, did not influence the general health status of chinchillas or quality of faeces and body weight during and after the five-day treatment, nor did it influence the quality of fur, clearness of its colour and its density, which were unchanged immediately after the experiment and at 2.5 months post-treatment. This finding can be considered favourable for chinchilla breeders. Consumption of water with dissolved sulfadimidine, in relation to the non-medicated water intake, was reduced by 10% in group 960 mg/l (P>0.05), and by 24% in group 1600 mg/l (P0,05), a u skupini koja je dobivala 1600 mg/l za 24% (P