ABSTRACT
The effect of closantel on some blood parameters, histopathological changes and fetal development was studied on 3 groups of 10 pregnant rabbits each. The first group was used as a control whereas, the other groups were injected subcutaneously with closantel in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight twice with one week apart at days 0 [day of mating] and 7of pregnancy [group A] and days 6 and 13 of pregnancy [group B]. The results revealed increased gamma-globulin concentration in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in both groups. Esinophil and monocyte numbers were significantly increased in the 20[th] and 28[th] day of pregnancy in group A and in the 28[th] of pregnancy in group B. There was no significant effect of the treatment on total leukocytic count, numbers of lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophiles and red blood cells. Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume [PCV], total protein, albumin, and globulin in the blood [alpha and beta] were within normal levels. Histopathological examination demonstrated activation in the mesenteric lymph nods, spleenic corpuscles and thymus gland in treated animals at both periods. Atretic oocytes in primary follicles in the ovary of the treated rabbits at day 0 and 7 of pregnancy and necrotic changes in hepatic parenchyma and urinefrous tubules were clearer in rabbits treated at days 6 and 13 of pregnancy. The anthelmentic closantel did not cause embryonic or teratogenic effects in rabbits. It is concluded that closantel has immune stimulatory effects which may contribute to the death of the parasite. It decreased the ovulation rate so it is highly advisable to avoid exposure of females to the drug during ovulation time. The drug also caused some necrotic changes in liver and urineferous tubules. It is contraindicated in animals having liver and kidney problems