Clinical Challenge (original) (raw)

Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2011

Abstract

An 18-yr-old male alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was reported as laterally recumbent and minimally responsive. Upon veterinary observation, the alpaca was found standing, bright, alert, and responsive with vital signs within normal limits. Body condition score was fair (2/5) which was consistent with previous observations. Overall, it appeared relatively normal and comfortable and had normal thoracic and gastrointestinal auscultation. Mucous membranes were pink and moist with capillary refill time less than 2 sec. Oral cavity exam was within normal limits and deep cervical palpation demonstrated no signs of discomfort or choke. Because the animal was geriatric and had a history of slow coat regrowth, the alpaca’s fiber coat had not been shorn for 3 yr and was overgrown. The alpacas’ winter diet consisted of free-choice alfalfa, herbivore grain (Mazuri ZNN, PMI Foods, St. Louis, Missouri 63166, USA; 155 g s.i.d.), small amounts of produce and other browse for enrichment, and a salt lick offered free-choice. This patient also received psyllium wafers (Metamucilt, The Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241, USA; ;6.8 g b.i.d.) due to chronically abnormal stool quality (soft) and a high-calorie nutritional supplement (Purina Athletet, Purina Mills, St. Louis, Missouri 63166, USA; 1 cup s.i.d.) due to chronically low body condition scoring. The keepers noted that the patient had not eaten his nutritional supplement the night before, which was unusual for this alpaca. It was also noted that the patient had been observed laterally recumbent more than usual over the preceding days. Blood was collected from the jugular vein and due to nonspecific signs of gastrointestinal discomfort the patient was given subcutaneous saline (Baxter Healthcare Systems, Deerfield, Illinois 60015, USA; 3 L in two doses over 3 hr), oral mineral oil (1 L), subcutaneous ceftiofur antibiotics (EXCEDEt, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, New York 10017, USA; 300 mg), and intramuscular Figure 1. Radiographic views of the abdomen of an 18-yr-old castrated alpaca (Vicugna pacos) with a history of intermittent apparent colic of approximately 1 mo duration. A. Lateral view. B. Dorsoventral view.

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