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Successful Treatment of Pericarditis in a Pregnant Llama |
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| Authors: | Bonnie S. Barr VMD Olga Seco MRCVS Jane Axon BVSc MACVSc Margaret M. Sleeper VMD DACVIM A.N. Baird DVM DACVS |
| Affiliation: | Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA |
| Abstract: | Objective: To describe the diagnosis and treatment of a pregnanat llama with perticardlts. Summary: A 2-year-old female llama presented for lethargy of several days' duration. Partinent physical examination findings included tachycardia. muffled heart sounds, tachpnea and lethargy. Electrocardiography revealed tachycardia, second-degree AV block and electrical alternans. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of pericardial effusion and cardiac compromise. Thoracic sonogram revealed pleural effusion. Treatment included intravenous fluids, systemic antimicrobials, systemic anti-inflammatories, thoracocentesis and eventual pericardiocentesis with daily drainage and lavage. No etiological agent was identified. The llama reponded well to therapy well to therapy and a 3.5-month and 2-year follow-up revealed no cardiac problems. New information provided: This is the first case report of pericarditis in a llama with treatment and a favorable outcome. |
| Keywords: | pleural effusion pricardiocentesis echocardiography |