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.
Cebra
C K
CK
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Cebra
M L
ML
Garry
F B
FB
Belknap
E B
EB
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000138:Acidosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000863:Antacids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002161:Camelids, New World; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002606:Charcoal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013272:Stomach Diseases / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013279:Stomach, Ruminant / Q000737:chemistry; D013831:Thiamine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000863:Antacids; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000931:Antidotes; D002400:Cathartics; D002606:Charcoal; D008899:Mineral Oil; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D008276:Magnesium Hydroxide; D013831:Thiamine