Injection site influences pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of danofloxacin following a single intramuscular dose in white sturgeon (Sinosturio transmontanus).

Pectoral IM injection of danofloxacin achieves significantly higher early drug concentrations than epaxial injection in white sturgeon.

This pharmacokinetic study characterized the absorption, distribution, and tissue penetration of danofloxacin (10 mg/kg IM) administered at two injection sites—dorsal epaxial muscle and pectoral base muscle—in healthy subadult white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus). Plasma samples were collected at 16 time points via the caudal vein, and gill, muscle, posterior kidney, and brain tissues were sampled at 5 time points over a 3-week period. Drug concentrations were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Both injection sites resulted in rapid absorption, with maximum plasma concentrations achieved approximately 20 minutes post-administration. Danofloxacin was detected in all tissues examined. Pectoral base administration produced significantly higher plasma concentrations during the first 12 hours post-injection compared to epaxial administration. Tissue concentrations were also significantly elevated following pectoral administration in all tissues during the first hour and in the posterior kidney at 12 hours. No adverse effects were observed at either injection site. These findings demonstrate that injection site meaningfully influences early pharmacokinetic parameters in sturgeon, with pectoral administration offering superior early drug exposure. The study provides clinically relevant, evidence-based data to guide antimicrobial dosing decisions in white sturgeon aquaculture and potentially other fish species, particularly in acute clinical scenarios where rapid therapeutic drug concentrations are critical.

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