Open AccessGentamicin‐induced sensorineural auditory loss in healthy adult horses
Author(s) -
Aleman Monica R.,
True Alexander,
Scalco Rebeca,
Crowe Chelsea M.,
Costa Lais R. R.,
Chigerwe Munashe
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/jvim.16221
Subject(s) - medicine , gentamicin , anesthesia , auditory brainstem response , sensorineural hearing loss , hearing loss , bone conduction , audiology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology
Background Irreversible sensorineural auditory loss has been reported in humans treated with aminoglycosides but not in horses. Objective Investigate if auditory loss occurs in horses treated using the recommended IV daily dosage of gentamicin for 7 consecutive days. Animals Ten healthy adult horses (7‐15 years; females and males, 5 each). Methods Prospective study. Physical and neurological examinations and renal function tests were performed. Gentamicin sulfate was administered at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg via the jugular vein on alternating sides for 7 days. Gentamicin peak and trough concentrations were measured. Horses were sedated using detomidine hydrochloride IV to perform brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) before the first dose, immediately after the last dose, and 30 days after the last dose. Peaks latencies, amplitudes, and amplitude ratios were recorded. Data from the second and last BAER were compared to results at baseline. Bone conduction was performed to rule out conduction disorders. Results Seven horses had auditory loss: complete bilateral (N = 1), complete unilateral (N = 2), and partial unilateral (N = 4). Based on physical examination and BAER results, sensorineural auditory loss was suspected. Absent bone conduction ruled out a conduction disorder and further supported sensorineural auditory loss in horses with completely absent BAER. Auditory dysfunction was reversible in 4 of 7 horses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Gentamicin at recommended doses may cause sensorineural auditory loss in horses that might be irreversible. Follow‐up studies are needed to investigate if other dosing protocols present a similar risk.