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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Rattlesnake envenomation in 12 New World camelids.

BACKGROUND: Rattlesnake envenomation of New World camelids is a seasonal problem with often dramatic clinical signs. HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical signs, laboratory results, treatment methods, and outcome for rattlesnake envenomation in New World camelids. ANIMALS: Medical records from 1988 to 2004 were searched for New World camelids presented for rattlesnake bite or clinical signs suspected to be related to recent envenomation. Twelve records were identified. METHODS: From these records a retrospective study was performed. RESULTS: Nine camelids presented for acute disease (2/9 arrived dead), whereas 3 presented for subacute onset of disease. Swelling of the lips, head and neck, tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia, and lethargy were the most common presenting signs. Snake bites were most commonly located to the muzzle (10/12). Common complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemical abnormalities were neutrophilia, lymphopenia, increased muscle enzyme activity, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and thrombocytopenia. Treatment included combinations of intravenous fluid therapy, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs, tetanus prophylaxis, tracheostomy, supplemental oxygen, antivenom, total parenteral nutrition, and nursing care. Five of the 10 animals with acute onset of clinical signs survived, and all animals with subacute presentation died. The mortality rate for New World camelids with severe local tissue reaction and systemic signs of envenomation was 58%. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: New World camelids that sustain rattlesnake envenomation and severe facial swelling precluding prehension and mastication have a guarded prognosis for survival. Aggressive treatment is recommended to optimize the chances of survival. Animals with less severe local tissue reaction and absence of systemic signs have a better prognosis.

Animals↗

Lymphosarcoma in 10 New World Camelids.

We evaluated the medical information from 10 New World Camelids with lymphosarcoma. Additionally, tumor tissue from 5 animals was examined by electron microscopy for evidence of retroviral particles. Lymphosarcoma was the most common neoplasm of New World Camelids in our hospital. Both llamas and alpacas, from 4 months to 15 years of age, were affected. Emaciation (7 of 8) and palpable masses (9 of 10) were the most common physical examination abnormalities, and a left-shifted leukogram (7 of 7) and hypoalbuminemia (6 of 7) were the most characteristic clinicopathologic findings. Lymphosarcoma was diagnosed by lymph node aspirate (n = 2), biopsy (n = 2), peritoneal fluid analysis (n = 2), or necropsy (n = 4). The clinical course after recognition of the disease was usually short, with a median survival of 1 month (1 week to 3 months). Organs with neoplastic infiltrates commonly included lymph nodes (n = 8), liver (n = 8), kidneys (n = 6), and lungs (n = 5). No retroviral particles were detected ultrastructurally.

Animals↗

Hybridizing Old and New World camelids: Camelus dromedarius x Lama guanicoe.

Thirty female dromedary camels were inseminated on a total of 50 occasions with 2-4 ml of fresh guanaco semen diluted with an equal volume of commercially available camel semen extender. Similarly, nine female guanacos were inseminated on 34 occasions with 4-6 ml of fresh, diluted camel semen. Only two of the dromedary females conceived; one aborted a female foetus on day 260 of gestation and the other gave birth to a stillborn female calf on day 365. Six conceptions occurred in the female guanacos. Two of these conceptuses, diagnosed by ultrasound, were resorbed between days 25 and 40 of gestation, one female foetus was aborted on day 291, another female foetus was aborted on day 302, and one female calf was stillborn on day 365 of gestation. The sixth foetus, a male, was born prematurely but alive after a 328-day gestation. It had a phenotypic appearance intermediate between that of a camel and a guanaco and its hybrid parentage was confirmed by the DNA fingerprinting of eight llama microsatellites. To our knowledge, this is the first viable hybrid ever to be produced between Old World and New World camelids, which have been reproductively isolated from one another for at least 11 million years. The preponderance of female hybrids is in accordance with Haldane's law. Histological examination of their ovaries revealed a failure of meiosis, with only an occasional abnormal oocyte surrounded by follicle cells. Although the diploid chromosone number of camels and guanacos is the same (2n = 74), sufficient genetic change has taken place to make the pairing of homologous chromosomes no longer possible.

Animals↗

Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Alpacas (7) and 1 llama. METHODS: Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy. RESULTS: Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.

Animals↗

Pancreatic necrosis in New World camelids: 11 cases (1990-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, clinicopathologic, and postmortem abnormalities in New World camelids with pancreatic necrosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 10 llamas and 1 alpaca. PROCEDURES: Medical records of animals in which a diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis had been made on the basis of histologic examination of necropsy specimens or on the basis of clinical signs and results of clinicopathologic testing were reviewed. RESULTS: The initial owner complaint varied, and various other conditions were diagnosed. Clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities were vague. Amylase activity was higher in abdominal fluid than in serum in 5 of 7 animals, and lipase activity was higher in abdominal fluid than in serum in all 7. Four animals survived, and 7 died or were euthanatized. Only 1 of the animals that died had marked inflammation of the pancreatic parenchyma. All 7 had necrosis and saponification of fat in and surrounding the pancreas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that pancreatic necrosis may develop in New World camelids, but clinical signs are vague, and the condition may easily be confused with other diseases. The only laboratory test that appeared to be helpful in the antemortem diagnosis of pancreatic necrosis was comparison of amylase and lipase activities in abdominal fluid and serum.

Amylases↗

Tooth root abscesses in New World camelids: 23 cases (1972-1994).

OBJECTIVE: To determine typical clinical and radiographic findings in a group of New World camelids with tooth root abscesses and to determine outcome after medical and surgical treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 23 llamas and alpacas with radiographic and clinical evidence of tooth root abscesses. PROCEDURE: Disease history, signalment, physical and radiographic examination findings, bacteriologic culture results, treatment, and short-term and long-term outcome were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: Local swelling was the most common clinical abnormality in camelids with tooth root abscesses. Mandibular molars were affected most commonly, and bacteriologic culture of samples from lesions often revealed facultative anaerobic bacteria. Antibiotic treatment for at least 30 days, surgical extraction of the affected tooth, and a root canal procedure were used successfully to treat tooth root abscesses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Both surgical and medical treatment of tooth root abscesses may lead to successful resolution of clinical signs in New World camelids.

Animals↗

Acute gastrointestinal disease in 27 New World camelids: clinical and surgical findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and surgical findings from New World camelids with acute gastrointestinal disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMAL POPULATION: 20 llamas and 7 alpacas. METHODS: Camelids were grouped based on surgical lesions. Clinical and surgical findings were compared between groups and between surviving and nonsurviving camelids. RESULTS: Twelve of 27 initial celiotomies and 3 of 4 repeat celiotomies were successful. Death occurred from euthanasia during surgery (nine camelids), peritonitis or sepsis (five), aspiration pneumonia (one), and respiratory distress (one). Survival was lowest after celiotomy for proximal obstruction (3 of 10 camelids), ruptured viscus (0 of 4), and necrotizing enteritis (0 of 2) and highest after celiotomy for distal obstruction (10 of 13) and septic peritonitis without ruptured viscus (2 of 2). Before surgery, camelids with proximal obstruction had significantly lower (P < .05) serum chloride concentrations (median, 97 mEq/L) than those with distal obstruction (median, 109 mEq/L) or ruptured viscus (median, 117 mEq/L). Serum bicarbonate concentration also was highest (median, 34.6 mEq/L) and often greater than 28 mEq/L in camelids with proximal obstruction. Camelids with distal obstruction had significantly lower (P < .05) nucleated cell counts in peritoneal fluid (median, 700 cells/microL) than those with ruptured viscus (median, 20,600 cells/microL) or septic peritonitis (median, 88,300 cells/microL). CONCLUSIONS: Camelids with proximal obstruction often had hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Camelids with distal obstruction had less metabolic derangement and tissue compromise and a higher survival rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Awareness of the characteristics of the various types of acute gastrointestinal disease in camelids will augment veterinarians' ability to diagnose and treat these disorders.

Acute Disease↗

Bovine viral diarrhea virus in New World camelids.

A virus known to cause multiple problems in cattle, bovine viral diarrhea virus, was isolated from 3 different cases in New World camelids. Virus isolation, immunoperoxidase staining, and fluorescent antibody staining were used to detect the virus. The herds involved were screened for antibody titers to bovine viral diarrhea and virus isolation from the buffy coat. Bovine viral diarrhea virus should be considered as a cause of death in young and old New World camelids.

Animals↗

Cataracts in New World camelids (llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos).

Cataracts are the most frequently seen lens diseases in New World camelids. The causes of cataracts are unknown in many animals, but cataracts secondary to intraocular inflammation seem to be common. Congenital or juvenile-onset cataracts, if another cause is not apparent, should be considered as possibly caused by heredity, and the affected animals should not be bred. Persistent hyaloid vascular anomalies may also have an important role in cataract formation and could be heritable or caused by an in utero disturbance. Pedigree analyses, test breedings, and possibly DNA studies of llamas with cataracts will be required to determine their potential heritability in these species. Cataract surgery can be done successfully in camelids. It is important to evaluate the posterior segment with B scan ultrasonography before surgery in animals in which the posterior segment previously has not been seen. This evaluation allows the surgeon to better prepare for the presence of hyaloid vascular anomalies. Use of phacoemulsification, gentle tissue handling, liberal use of anti-inflammatory medications and endothelial protectants (BSS + and viscoelastics) during surgery has increased the success rate of this surgery in camelids. Unlike cataract surgery in dogs and horses undergoing, cataract surgery, in camelids seems to be important to remove much of the posterior lens capsule. This removal prevents severe capsular fibrosis and subsequent vision loss. There is evidence that a posterior capsulectomy and anterior viterectomy can help prevent postoperative glaucoma. Research needs to be done to see whether these species have an increased risk for ciliary-block glaucoma.

Animals↗

Gram-negative bacterial infection in neonatal New World camelids: six cases (1985-1991).

Gram-negative bacterial infections were documented in 6 neonatal New World camelids (5 Ilamas and 1 alpaca). The organisms isolated from blood before death or from multiple organs after death were Escherichia coli (n = 3), Actinobacillus sp (n = 1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1). Only 2 crias survived, and 1 became blind secondary to retinal detachment and ocular inflammation, which developed after treatment for bacterial infection. Abnormal events during the perinatal period (prematurity, dystocia, cesarean section, weak at birth) were reported in all 6 crias. Signs of depression, convulsions, and/or coma were observed in all animals. Diarrhea and respiratory distress were also noticed in the 3 crias that died shortly after admission. Serum immunoglobulins were assessed, but without the benefit of a stall-side test specific for Ilama immunoglobulins. All crias were suspected to have poor transfer of maternal immunoglobulins. Hemograms and serum biochemical values prior to the initiation of treatment were obtained on 5 of the 6 crias. Total nucleated cells ranged from 1,400 to 23,100 cells/microliter. Four of the 5 crias has a left shift, and 2 crias had toxic neutrophils. Serum glucose concentrations, measured in 5 of 6 crias, ranged from 83 to 293 mg/dl. Serum creatinine values were high in 2 of 5 crias, 1 of which had acute tubular necrosis. Three crias with high serum electrolyte (sodium, chloride, or potassium) values subsequently died. Arterial blood gas values were assessed in 3 crias, 1 of which had respiratory alkalosis and mild hypoxemia.

Animals↗

[Reproductive physiology in New World camelids. Review].

Liamas and alpacas have gained international popularity over the last years. Therefore veterinarians are often asked to intervene in clinical management of different problems, especially reproductive problems. In this review the author attempts to summarize the material presented on the reproductive anatomy, physiology, behavior, embryo transfer and artificial insemination procedure of these animals.

Animals↗

Imaging diagnosis--pulmonary metastases in New World camelids.

The radiographic appearance of pulmonary metastatic disease from carcinoma is described in a llama and an alpaca. In one, a diffuse miliary pattern was seen. In the other, a more atypical unstructured interstitial pattern was recognized. Metastatic pulmonary neoplasia in camelids may assume a generalized miliary or unstructured pattern.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Cause of diseases and death in New World camelids].

Over a period of 25 years post mortem examination and in selected cases microbiological and/or parasitological investigations were carried out in 79 South American camelids (llama, alpaca, guanaco, vicuña). The principal findings (frequently identical with the cause of death) are retrospectively commented with regard to available anamnestic data and the literature. Besides infectious and noninfectious diseases occurring in all mammalian species findings of lesser importance, but peculiar to camelids, like foam cell granulomas beneath the pulmonary pleura, hepatic empty proliferations (lipomatous metaplasia), and gastroliths in the glandular saccules of stomach compartment I, are also discussed.

Animal Diseases↗

[Liver fluke infestation in New World camelids. Parasitology, pathology, clinical findings and therapy].

In Llamas and Alpacas infestation with Fasciola hepatica or Dicrocoelium dendriticum can cause liver damage, sometimes even with lethal outcome. Once infected South American Camelids (SACs) react more sensitively to these parasites than other domestic ruminants. We report here on the pathology, parasitology, clinics and therapy of this disease. Concerning Dicrocoelium dendriticum we describe own clinical results and therapeutic outcome in addition to the pathological investigation. According to anatomic corrosion casts, the bile ducts of SACs show more similarity with the equine bile system than with the bile system of domestic ruminants.

Animals↗

[Pregnancy in New World camelids].

There is a growing number of llama- and alpacabreeders in Europe. Therefore veterinarians are often asked to intervene in clinical management of different problems, especially reproductive problems. In this review the authors attempt to summarize the different possibilities of pregnancy diagnosis and to give an short overview of reproduction in female llamas and alpacas. South American Camelids are induced ovulators and ovulation will occur within 12 to 24 hours following a single breeding. Llamas and alpacas develop follicular waves. The females will usually not ovulate unless a 7 mm or larger follicle exist on one of the ovaries. Corpus luteum is needed for maintenance of pregnancy.

Animals↗

Forestomach acidosis in six New World camelids.

Forestomach acidosis was diagnosed in 2 llamas and 4 alpacas. All were young, group-housed, sexually intact males. Clinical signs included forestomach atony, lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Forestomach distention was observed in only 1 llama. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included low forestomach fluid pH, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. Although camelids differ from domestic ruminants in typical management practices and behavioral, anatomic, and physiologic characteristics, they are, nonetheless, susceptible to forestomach acidosis. Gastric fluid analysis was essential for an accurate diagnosis. Four of 6 camelids recovered after PO and IV treatment with alkalinizing agents and fluids, antibiotics, and thiamine.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

[Dicrocoeliasis in New World camelids].

Natural infections with the lancet fluke (Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were detected in a group of seven diseased or dead/euthanized South American Camelids (five Llamas, two Alpacas) from Switzerland and Southern Germany. Clinical findings in almost all the animals revealed an acute decline of general condition followed by recumbency, decreased body temperature and a varying degree of anaemia. Concurrently, all animals showed an average to poor nutritional status. All liver enzyme activities analysed in serum biochemistry conformed to the reference values and therefore offered no diagnostic clues for this disease. Necropsy however, disclosed major alterations in the liver in the form of cirrhosis, abscesses, granulomas, and a massive infestation with D. dendriticum. The coprological investigations performed at the outset of the examinations revealed eggs of the lancet fluke in only two animals. This suggests that clinical findings alone permit at best only a provisional diagnosis. Repeated coprologic follow-ups showed that the presence of eggs of D. dendriticum can be diagnosed accurately and that clinical signs appear with an excretion rate above 1000 eggs per gram faeces (EpG). In these cases, praziquantel in a single dose of 50 mg/kg per os was given. This treatment was well tolerated and achieved a quite acceptable 90% reduction of eggs in the faeces.

Anemia↗