Noninfectious diseases, metabolic diseases, toxicities, and neoplastic diseases of South American camelids

Although the SAC generally are healthy and tolerant of a wide variety of management schemes, a number of noninfectious diseases have been documented to occur, affecting all body systems. Gastrointestinal diseases appear to be the most common afflictions, particularly dental diseases, indigestion, ulceration of the third compartment, and the various causes of colic, such as enteritis, peritonitis, and intestinal accidents. Diseases of the urinary system (urolithiasis, amyloidosis, and glomerulonephritis in particular), the nervous system (especially various compressive lesions of the spinal cord), and the respiratory system (such as obstructive pulmonary diseases) are not uncommon. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (other than congenital defects), hemolymphatic system, and nonsurgical diseases of the musculoskeletal system only rarely are encountered. Heat stress appears to be a very common problem in certain areas, but other metabolic diseases (ketosis, hypocalcemia, and hypothyroidism) are of minor importance. It is assumed that SAC are susceptible to most of the same toxicities that affect domestic livestock species. The best documented examples appear to be the Ericaceae family of plants (laurels, rhododendrons, and so on) and the organophosphate chlorpyrifos. Neoplasia occasionally is seen; examples include lymphosarcoma, gastric squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. As the longevity of these species increases because of their pet status, neoplasia can be expected to become more common. The treatment of most of these conditions is based upon extrapolation from domestic ruminants.     

Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) in some camelids from Dutch zoos

The feet of three two-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus), one lama (Lama glama) and four alpacas (Lama pacos) from zoos and a circus in the Netherlands were examined for the mange-mite Choroptes bovis. Mites were found on two of the camels, the lama, and three of the alpacas. On one camel and one alpaca small mange lesions on the feet were present. This is the first report of Chorioptes bovis and chorioptic mange in the two-humped camel.     

Chorioptes bovis (Acarina: Psoroptidae) in some camelids from Dutch zoos

Summary

The feet of three two‐humped camels (Camelus bactrianus), one lama (Lama glama) and four alpacas (Lama pacos) from zoos and a circus in the Netherlands were examined for the mange‐mite Choroptes bovis. Mites were found on two of the camels, the lama, and three of the alpacas. On one camel and one alpaca small mange lesions on the feet were present. This is the first report of Chorioptes bovis and chorioptic mange in the two‐humped camel.     

肉鸡传染性喉气管炎

传染性喉气管炎(Infectious Laryngotracheitis,ILT)是鸡的一种常见的病毒性疾病,其他家禽也有发生。该病通常爆发于45日龄以上的肉鸡,但在低日龄肉鸡中也证实有该病的存在。     

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.     

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system.

Neurologic disease is seen commonly in cats, with infectious causes accounting for 30-45% of cases. However, since a specific infection cannot be identified in 12-40% of these cases, it is essential that we try to understand these cases better in the hope that we can eventually identify the cause(s), and so determine how best to treat and/or prevent them.