Potential pathogens in feces from unweaned llamas and alpacas with diarrhea

OBJECTIVE: To identify potential pathogens in feces from llama and alpaca crias with diarrhea. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 45 unweaned crias with diarrhea. PROCEDURE: Fecal samples were evaluated for Eimeria spp, Giardia spp, Cryptosporidium spp, enteric viruses, and Salmonella spp. A questionnaire yielded information concerning herd management and presence of other affected camelids. RESULTS: 28 crias were < or = 31 days old, 11 were 32 to 62 days old, and 6 were 63 to 210 days old. Potential pathogens were isolated from feces from 32 of the 45 crias. A total of 39 potential pathogens were obtained, including coronavirus (n = 19 crias; 42%), Giardia spp (8; 18%), Eimeria spp (6; 13%), Cryptosporidium spp (4; 9%), rotavirus (1; 2%), and nematode ova (1; 2%). Salmonella spp were not isolated. Most crias from which potential pathogens were isolated were identified during outbreaks of diarrhea involving other camelids, although only coronavirus was isolated from crias identified during outbreaks involving adult camelids. Coronavirus was detected throughout the year, whereas protozoa were most commonly isolated during the fall and winter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a variety of potential pathogens may be isolated from young crias with diarrhea. Many crias shed coronavirus, which may also have been affecting older camelids. Protozoa were isolated most often during wetter months, suggesting that crias born during these months may have greater exposure to protozoal pathogens.     

Evaluation of assays for determination of passive transfer status in neonatal llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate several practice-adapted assays for determination of passive transfer status in crias. ANIMALS: 24 llama and 9 alpaca crias. DESIGN: Prospective study. PROCEDURE: Serum IgG concentration was measured by use of a radial immunodiffusion assay when crias were 45 to 51 hours old. Results were compared with serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and total solids concentrations, and results of commercially available and traditional sodium sulfite turbidity (SST) tests. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) serum IgG concentration was 1,762 +/- 1,153 mg/dl. On the basis of a threshold value of 1,000 mg of IgG/dl at 48 hours of age, 5 of 33 (15.15%) crias had failure of passive transfer. Serum total solids, protein, and globulin concentrations were significantly associated with serum IgG concentration, whereas serum GGT activity and serum albumin concentration were not. Serum IgG concentrations were significantly different among crias with negative, 2+, and 3+ scores on the traditional SST test. Serum IgG concentrations were not significantly different between crias with negative and 100 mg/dl scores or 100 and 300 mg/dl scores on the commercially available SST test. However, all other comparisons between crias with different scores revealed significant differences. Sensitivity and specificity ranged between 0 and 1, depending on the test and endpoint selected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The commercially available SST test and determination of serum total protein and globulin concentrations are suitable methods for assessing passive transfer status in llama and alpaca crias.     

Evaluation of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in Ilama crias

OBJECTIVE: To investigate glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in llama crias. ANIMALS: 7 llamas (age range, 14 to 30 days). PROCEDURE: On each of 2 sequential days, crias were administered glucose (0.5 g/kg) via rapid i.v. injection. On 1 day (randomly determined for each cria), regular insulin (0.2 U/kg) or 0.9% NaCl solution (0.002 mL/kg) was administered i.v. 15 minutes after glucose administration. Blood samples were collected before (baseline) and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after glucose administration for determination of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations; fractional turnover rates and plasma half-life of glucose were calculated. The data were compared over time and between days (ie, between glucose treatments with and without insulin administration). RESULTS: A peak plasma glucose concentration of 342 +/- 47 mg/dL was detected at 5 minutes after glucose administration and llamas cleared glucose from plasma within 60 minutes; at 15 minutes, plasma insulin concentration attained a peak value of 33 +/- 13 microU/mL (ie, triple the baseline value). During the 15- to 45-minute interval, fractional turnover rate of glucose was 1.10 +/- 0.24%/min and plasma half-life was 65.7 +/- 13.4 minutes. Insulin significantly increased glucose turnover and resulted in hypoglycemia within 75 minutes of administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Healthy immature llamas have glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity superior to that of adults. However, whether sick crias retain the pancreatic sufficiency and tissue responsiveness that are likely responsible for the rapid glucose clearance in healthy individuals is not known.     

Cryptosporidiosis in two alpaca (Lama pacos) holdings in the South-West of England

Cryptosporidiosis was investigated on two alpaca (Lama pacos) holdings in the South-West of England. Diagnosis was initially confirmed in a cria with diarrhoea from each holding. Cohort faeces samples were subsequently collected and examined for presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts by immunofluorescence microscopy. On the first holding, 30 samples (24 adults, 6 crias) were tested, and oocysts were detected in three of the cria samples but in none of the adults. On the second holding, 14 floor faeces samples representing apparently healthy crias and one faeces sample from a cria with diarrhoea were collected. Oocysts were detected in four of the "healthy" faeces samples and the sample of diarrhoeic faeces. All isolates were confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism of the cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and ssu rRNA genes. Sequence analysis of a 741bp region of ssu rDNA was carried out on nine of these and revealed high sequence homology with previously reported C. parvum isolates. This investigation highlights the possibility of alpaca crias subclinically shedding oocysts, which has implications for epidemiology and transmission in animals as well as raising zoonotic concerns for human contacts. Gene sequencing of UK isolates from South American camelids is also described for the first time.     

Fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpaca crias and their dams

Objective-To determine the apparent prevalence of shedding of Cryptosporidium spp in healthy alpaca crias and their dams on 14 farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania. Design-Cross-sectional study. Animals-110 alpaca crias and their 110 dams. Procedures-Fecal samples were obtained from 220 alpacas at 14 alpaca farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania. For each animal, age, sex, and health condition were recorded. A fecal score (1 = normally formed; 2 = soft or loose; 3 = diarrhetic) was recorded for each cria. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in fecal samples by a direct immunofluorescence assay. Results-Apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 8% (95% confidence interval, 4% to 15%) in dams and was 7% (95% confidence interval, 3% to 13%) in crias. There was no significant difference in age between dams with positive fecal test results for Cryptosporidium oocysts (median age, 4 years; range, 3 to 8 years) and dams with negative results (median age, 4 years; range, 2.5 to 19 years). No significant difference was found in age between crias with positive fecal test results (median age, 20 days; range, 7 to 53 days) and those with negative results (median, 36 days; range, 2 to 111 days). No significant difference in fecal scores was found between crias with positive versus negative fecal test results. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-A higher than previously reported apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpacas was found. A zoonotic risk should be considered, especially for Cryptosporidium parvum.     

The association of lung function and plasma volume expansion in neonatal alpaca crias following plasma transfusion for failure of passive transfer

Objective– Failure of passive transfer in neonatal alpacas is often corrected by IV administration of commercial camelid plasma. The goal of this study was to characterize changes in pulmonary function, gas exchange, and cardiovascular parameters associated with IV plasma transfusion. Design– Prospective clinical study. Setting– A university‐based referral hospital. Animals– Eleven clinically healthy alpaca crias (age: 1–18 days) with failure of passive transfer (IgG<8 g/L [800 mg/dL]). Interventions– Thirty milliliters per kilogram of commercial camelid plasma was administered IV over 90 minutes. Before and after the transfusion, the following cardiopulmonary measurements were obtained: arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary functional residual capacity (FRC), PCV, total plasma protein and echocardiographic M‐mode measures. Additionally, central venous pressure and indirect arterial blood pressure were monitored throughout the plasma transfusion. Measurements and Main Results– The IV plasma transfusion resulted in significantly reduced PCV (−5.4±5.1%), increased total plasma protein (+4±4 g/L [0.4±0.4 g/dL]), elevated central venous pressure and changes in left and right ventricular M‐mode indices, consistent with plasma volume expansion. Transfusion was further associated with a significant increase in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) (+11.2±15 mm Hg) and decrease in FRC (−5.6±8.3 mL/kg). Conclusions– IV administration of 30 mL/kg camelid plasma to neonatal crias resulted in measurable plasma volume expansion and a concurrent reduction in FRC. Administration of this quantity of plasma appeared to be safe in healthy neonatal crias. However, changes in lung volume associated with plasma administration may create risks for crias with underlying cardiopulmonary or systemic disease.     

Long-term clinicopathological characteristics of alpacas naturally infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus type Ib

Background: Substantial bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)‐related production losses in North American alpaca herds have been associated with BVDV type Ib infection. Objectives: To classify and differentiate the long‐term clinicopathological characteristics of BVDV type Ib infection of alpaca crias, after natural virus exposure. We hypothesized that persistently infected (PI) alpacas specifically demonstrate growth retardation, clinicopathological evidence of opportunistic infections, and early mortality. Animals: Thirty‐five crias naturally exposed to BVDV (18 acute, 3 chronic, 14 PIs), and 19 healthy cohort controls of 5 northeastern alpaca farms were prospectively evaluated over 2 years (September 2005–September 2008). Methods: Observational cohort‐control study. Results: Chronically (viremia >3 weeks) and PI crias demonstrated significantly lower birth weights, decreased growth rates, anemia, and monocytosis compared with control animals. Common clinical problems of PI alpacas included chronic wasting, diarrhea, and respiratory disease. Median survival of PI alpacas that died was 177 days (interquartile range, 555) with a case fatality rate of 50% within 6 months of life. Transplacental infection was confirmed in 82% (9/11) of pregnant females on 1 farm, resulting in the birth of 7 PI crias (7/10 deliveries; 1 animal was aborted). Mean gestation at the beginning and end of BVDV exposure was 64 and 114 days, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Natural BVDV type 1b infection during early pregnancy resulted in a high incidence of PI offspring. Although PI alpacas may have distinct clinical characteristics, verification of persistent viremia in the absence of endogenous, neutralizing antibodies is essential to differentiate persistent from chronic infection.     

Surgical correction of carpal valgus deformity in three alpacas

Two alpaca crias and one 14-month-old alpaca were referred for treatment of bilateral carpal valgus. In one cria, hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation combined with an ulna osteotomy was performed initially without success, however transphyseal bridging with screws and wires was used successfully in both crias to straighten the limbs. As the distal radial and ulna growth plates had closed in the 14-month-old alpaca, bilateral wedge ostectomies of the distal radius and transfixation casts were used to straighten and stabilise the limbs. The ostectomy sites healed and the alpaca is ambulatory, although carpal flexion is significantly reduced. Until the relationship between the growth rate of crias and the success of hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation and ulna osteotomy is established, transphyseal bridging may provide a more reliable result in crias with carpal valgus deformity and open physes. Wedge ostectomy and application of a transfixation cast can be used to correct severe carpal valgus deformities in alpacas with closed physes.     

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.     

Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin G in neonatal llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate precolostral hypogammaglobulinemia in neonatal llamas and alpacas, to determine when postcolostral peak serum IgG concentrations develop, to determine whether differences in postcolostral serum IgG concentrations between llamas and alpacas exist, and to determine postcolostral half-life of serum IgG in llamas and alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 29 llama and 10 alpaca crias. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected prior to suckling and on days 1, 2, and 3 after parturition and analyzed for serum IgG concentration by use of a commercial radial immunodiffusion assay. Additional samples were collected on days 8, 13, and 18 from 8 crias to determine mean half-life of IgG. RESULTS: Llamas and alpacas are born severely hypogammaglobulinemic. Mean serum IgG concentrations for day-1, -2, and -3 samples for llamas were 1,578 mg/dl, 1,579 mg/dl, and 1,401 mg/dl, respectively, and for alpacas were 2,024 mg/dl, 1,806 mg/dl, and 1,669 mg/dl, respectively. Peak serum immunoglobulin concentration developed between days 1 and 2. Mean half-life of IgG for all crias was 15.7 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although increased mortality has been linked to failure of passive transfer, it is clearly possible to raise crias that have low serum immunoglobulin concentrations. Llamas and alpacas do not differ significantly with respect to immunoglobulin absorption or IgG concentration in neonates. The optimal sampling time for passive transfer status is between 1 and 2 days.     

Use of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II), a liposomal cisplatin analogue, in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical response and toxic effects of cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum (II) (L-NDDP) administered i.v. at escalating doses to cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). ANIMALS: 18 cats with oral SCC. PROCEDURE: Cats that failed to respond to conventional treatment or had nonresectable tumors were included. Data included a CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, cytologic examination of a fine-needle aspirate of enlarged lymph nodes, and thoracic and oral radiographs for clinical staging. A starting dose (75 to 100 mg/m2 of L-NDDP) was administered i.v.. At 21-day intervals, subsequent doses increased by the rate of 5 or 10 mg/m2. Response was evaluated every 21 days by tumor measurement and thoracic radiography. Quality of life was assessed by owners, using a performance status questionnaire. RESULTS: On average, cats received 2 treatments. Toxicoses included an intermittent, acute anaphylactoid-parasympathomimetic reaction, lethargy or sedation (< or = 24 hours), inappetence or signs of depression (< or = 72 hours), mild to moderate increase in hepatic enzyme activity, and melena. Pulmonary, renal, or hematopoietic abnormalities were not evident. Performance status surveys indicated normal behavior and grooming or decreased activity and self-care (19/20 assessments), ate well with or without assistance (15/20), and did not lose weight (15/20). Median survival time was 59.8 days (mean, 54.1 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-NDDP was ineffective for treatment of cats with oral SCC. None of the cats had a complete or partial remission. Acute toxicoses and poor therapeutic response limit therapeutic usefulness of L-NDDP in cats, unless dosage, frequency, and administration procedures can be improved.     

Risk factors for sterile hemorrhagic cystitis in dogs with lymphoma receiving cyclophosphamide with or without concurrent administration of furosemide: 216 cases (1990-1996)

OBJECTIVES: To determine incidence and identify predisposing factors for sterile hemorrhagic cystitis (SHC) in dogs with lymphoma that were treated with cyclophosphamide and to evaluate whether furosemide administered i.v. concurrently with cyclophosphamide decreased the incidence of SHC. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 216 dogs with lymphoma. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs with lymphoma that received cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in accordance with 1 of 2 protocols, with or without concurrent i.v. administration of furosemide, were examined. Data for the 2 groups were analyzed to determine the incidence and predisposing factors (age, breed, sex, weight, previous or preexisting disease, previous or preexisting urinary tract infection, neutropenia, azotemia, dose, and number of cyclophosphamide treatments) for cyclophosphamide-associated SHC. RESULTS: Cyclophosphamide-associated SHC developed in 12 of 133 (9%) dogs that had not received concurrent administration of furosemide and cyclophosphamide treatments; of the 83 dogs that had received furosemide, only 1 (1.2%) developed SHC. Dogs receiving cyclophosphamide and furosemide concurrently were significantly less likely to develop SHC than dogs that did not receive furosemide. Dogs with previous or preexisting immune-mediated disease were significantly more likely to develop cyclophosphamide-associated SHC. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of results suggested an association between i.v. administration of furosemide concurrently with cyclophosphamide and decreased incidence of cyclophosphamide-associated SHC. Incidence of cyclophosphamide-associated SHC was similar in treated dogs that did not receive concurrent furosemide to that observed for other studies in which cyclophosphamide was administered orally. Cyclophosphamide-associated SHC appeared to develop early during the course of chemotherapy when furosemide was not administered concurrently with cyclophosphamide.     

Fecal shedding of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Salmonella organisms, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from llamas in California

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fecal shedding of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Salmonella organisms, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from llamas in California with respect to host factors and management practices. ANIMALS: 354 llamas from 33 facilities. PROCEDURE: Fecal specimens were collected and examined for G. duodenalis and C. parvum by means of immunofluorescent microscopy. Salmonella organisms were cultured by placing feces into selenite enrichment broth followed by selective media. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was cultured by use of modified tryptocase soy broth followed by sorbitol MacConkey agar, with suspect colonies confirmed by means of immunofluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: 12 of 354 fecal specimens (3.4%) had G. duodenalis cysts. Younger llamas (crias) were more likely to be shedding cysts, compared with older llamas. Farm-level factors that increased the risk of shedding were large numbers of yearlings on the property (> 10), smaller pen sizes, large numbers of crias born during the previous year (> 10), and large pen or pasture populations (> 20). None of the 354 fecal specimens had C. parvum oocysts. Seventy-six (from 7 facilities) and 192 (from 22 facilities) llamas were tested for Salmonella organisms and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. All fecal specimens had negative results for these bacteria. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Shedding of G. duodenalis was primarily limited to crias 1 to 4 months old. Llamas from properties with large numbers of crias born in the previous year, resulting in large numbers of yearlings in the current year, were at greater risk of infection. In addition, housing llamas in smaller pens or pastures and managing llamas and crias in large groups also increased the risk of G. duodenalis shedding.     

Culture-positive sepsis in neonatal camelids: 21 cases

BACKGROUND: There is limited literature on neonatal bacterial sepsis in New World (NW) camelids. HYPOTHESIS: Bacterial culture-positive crias have clinical differences based on the specific bacterial genera isolated. ANIMALS: Bacterial culture-positive NW camelid crias <21 days of age from 1990 to 2005 were included. METHODS: Historic physical examination and cliniopathologic data were retrieved from medical records as were the identity and antibiograms of bacterial isolates. Cases were categorized by outcome (survival versus nonsurvival) and type of sepsis (gram-negative or gram-positive). Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square testing were used to evaluate differences between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-one crias met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 2 days. Failure of passive transfer was common. There were few differences identified on the basis of outcome or type of sepsis. Crias without gastrointestinal or central nervous system involvement survived in greater numbers. Forty-six percent of isolates were gram-positive. The most common isolates were the following: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Citrobacter spp. Overall survival was 67% (14/21). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Crias with sepsis do not appear to present with major biochemical, hematologic, or blood gas abnormalities, potentially complicating diagnosis. Affected crias may not have localizing signs at presentation and are not usually febrile, although hypothermia, tachypnea, and tachycardia are relatively common. Total protein concentration was not a substitute for immunoglobulin G measurement in septic crias in this study. Familiarity with the clinical presentation and common pathogens isolated should improve early recognition and treatment and ultimately outcome of crias with sepsis.     

Effects of acetylpromazine or morphine on urine production in halothane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of preanesthetic administration of acetylpromazine or morphine and fluids on urine production, arginine vasopressin (AVP; previously known as antidiuretic hormone) concentrations, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), plasma osmolality (Osm), PCV, and concentration of total solids (TS) during anesthesia and surgery in dogs. ANIMALS: 19 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Concentration of AVP, indirect MAP, Osm, PCV, and concentration of TS were measured at 5 time points (before administration of acetylpromazine or morphine, after administration of those drugs, after induction of anesthesia, 1 hour after the start of surgery, and 2 hours after the start of surgery). Urine output and end-tidal halothane concentrations were measured 1 and 2 hours after the start of surgery. All dogs were administered lactated Ringer's solution (20 ml/kg of body weight/h, i.v.) during surgery. RESULTS: Compared with values for acetylpromazine, preoperative administration of morphine resulted in significantly lower urine output during the surgical period. Groups did not differ significantly for AVP concentration, Osm, MAP, and end-tidal halothane concentration; however, PCV and concentration of TS decreased over time in both groups and were lower in dogs given acetylpromazine. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preanesthetic administration of morphine resulted in significantly lower urine output, compared with values after administration of acetylpromazine, which cannot be explained by differences in AVP concentration or MAP When urine output is used as a guide for determining rate for i.v. administration of fluids in the perioperative period, the type of preanesthetic agent used must be considered.     

Metabolic changes and induction of hepatic lipidosis during feed restriction in llamas.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether feed restriction induces hepatic lipidosis (HL) in llamas and to evaluate the metabolic changes that develop during feed restriction. ANIMALS: 8 healthy adult female llamas. PROCEDURE: Llamas were fed grass hay at a rate of 0.25% of their body weight per day for 13 to 28 days. Llamas were monitored by use of clinical observation, serum biochemical analyses, and ultrasound-guided liver biopsies. RESULTS: All 8 llamas lost weight and mobilized fat. Five llamas developed HL, including 4 that were nursing crias. During the period of feed restriction, mean serum concentration of bile acids and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly higher in llamas that developed HL, compared with llamas that did not. Mean insulin-to-cortisol concentration ratios were lower in llamas with HL before and up to 7 days of feed restriction, compared with those that did not develop HL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HL in llamas may be induced by severe feed restriction, particularly in the face of increased energy demand. Llamas with weight loss attributable to inadequate dietary intake may develop biochemical evidence of hepatopathy and HL. Increases in serum concentration of bile acids and activities of GGT, AST, and SDH may indicate the development of HL in llamas and identify affected animals for aggressive therapeutic intervention.     

Management of bilateral flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joints in three alpaca crias

Three neonatal alpacas were treated for MCP flexural deformities. Two crias responded well to conservative therapy using splints made from fibreglass cast material. One cria with severe deformity failed to respond to conservative treatment but recovered satisfactorily after transection of the suspensory ligament in both legs. It seems that mild cases of flexural deformity of the MCP joint in alpaca crias respond well to conservative therapy but that surgical correction may be required in more severe cases. Sequential transection of the structures limiting extension of the MCP joint may result in fewer complications than previously reported techniques.     

Streptozocin for treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors in dogs: 17 cases (1989-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine toxic effects of streptozocin given in combination with a diuresis protocol in dogs and establish whether streptozocin is efficacious in treatment of pancreatic islet cell tumors in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 17 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, tumor stage and staging tests performed, number of streptozocin treatments, adverse effects, results of biochemical and hematologic monitoring during streptozocin treatment, tumor dimensions, duration of normoglycemia, and date of death, when applicable. Dogs were compared with a historical control group of 15 dogs treated surgically and medically. RESULTS: 58 treatments were administered to the 17 dogs. Only 1 dog developed azotemia. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity increased in some dogs but decreased when treatment was discontinued. Hematologic toxicoses were rare. Vomiting during administration was uncommon but occasionally severe. Two dogs developed diabetes mellitus after receiving 5 doses. Median duration of normoglycemia for 14 dogs with stage-II or -III insulinoma treated with streptozocin was 163 days (95% confidence interval, 16 to 309 days), which was not significantly different from that for the control dogs (90 days; 95% confidence interval, 0 to 426 days). Two dogs had rapid resolution of paraneoplastic peripheral neuropathy, and 2 others had measurable reductions in tumor size. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that streptozocin can be administered safely to dogs at a dosage of 500 mg/m2, IV, every 3 weeks when combined with a protocol for induction of diuresis and may be efficacious in the treatment of dogs with metastatic pancreatic islet cell tumors.