The action of arseniate of tin on ovine cestodes

Abstract

Arseniate of tin (AsO₄HSn, 1/2 H₂O) is completely efficacious in the destruction of M. expansa, M. benedeni, S. globipunctata and A. centripunctata of sheep. Two types of dosing are required following deprivation of water for 12 hours before and 4 hours after treatment. One dose of 250 mg per head in the case of M. expansa and 350 mg per head in the case of infestation with Anoplocephalidae spp. with the exclusion of S. hepatica. In the latter case complete starvation for 20 hours before and 4 hours after administration of the drug is essential. This drug does not cause abortion in pregnant ewes; the increase in weight is very rapid and an infected flock is reconditioned in record time. In a tropical environment this product is to be handled with extreme care, particularly in the larger dosage during the period May to November on account of the unfavourable climatic conditions, but in the dry season from November to April, its presents no danger. The lethal dose is around 2 to 2.5 g giving a chemotherapeutic coefficient of 8-9 with the smaller dose and of 6 with the larger. The meat of animals treated with this product is fit for consumption in 5-6 days after treatment.