The Effect of Synthalin a on Blood Sugar in Dairy Cattle

Summary The effect of synthalin A (decamethylenediguanidine) upon blood glucose level in the bovine has been reported from studies with six dairy calves and a mature cow. In calves, dosages of 1.0mg. per pound body weight given intramuscularly had little effect. A dosage of 1.3mg. per pound resulted in an initial hyperglycemia followed by a marked hypoglycemia, but levels as low as those reported in cows with ketosis were not approached. At 1.5mg. per pound dosages, or above, blood levels of glucose were lowered to less than 40mg. % (some were near 10mg. %). A dosage of 1.0mg. per pound in the mature cow had an apparent hyperglycemic effect, but no hypoglycemia resulted. When 1.4mg. per pound was injected, a pronounced initial hyperglycemia was followed by a marked hypoglycemia. The blood glucose levels of the mature and immature bovine are drastically affected by synthalin A.