Bioavailability and biochemical effects of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if topical ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution alters renal parameters in the domestic chicken, and to determine if the drug is detectable in plasma after topical ophthalmic administration. ANIMALS: Thirty healthy domestic chickens. PROCEDURES: Over 7&#xa0;days, six birds were treated unilaterally with one drop of artificial tear solution (group 1), 12 birds were treated unilaterally (group 2) and 12 bilaterally (group 3) with diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution. Treatments were provided every 12&#xa0;h in all groups. Pre- and post-treatment plasma samples from all birds were evaluated for changes in albumin, total protein, and uric acid. Post-treatment samples of all birds, collected 15&#xa0;min post-administration, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for diclofenac sodium detection. A randomly selected renal sample from each group was submitted for histopathologic review. RESULTS: Changes in pre- and post-treatment plasma albumin were significant (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but not for group 1. Pre- and post-treatment changes in total protein and uric acid were not significant for any group. Diclofenac sodium was not detectable (limit of detection&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.10&#xa0;ng/mL) in plasma samples from birds in group 1. Post-treatment concentration of diclofenac in group 3 was statistically greater than group 2 (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0008). Histopathologic changes did not identify diclofenac-induced acute renal tubular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% administered topically every 12&#xa0;h in one or both eyes for 7&#xa0;days is detectable in systemic circulation in the domestic chicken, but does not cause overt significant changes in plasma uric acid or total protein.