Effects of percutaneous liver biopsy in alpacas and llamas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine changes in results of selected serum biochemical tests after a single percutaneous liver biopsy and changes in results of hematologic and selected serum biochemical tests after multiple percutaneous liver biopsies in alpacas and llamas.


METHODS
5 llamas and 10 alpacas.


METHODS
A single percutaneous liver biopsy was performed in 5 llamas and 6 alpacas. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, and 3 days after liver biopsy, and submitted for serum biochemical analysis. In the other 4 alpacas, liver biopsy was performed on day 0 and then weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the time of each biopsy, and CBC and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Attitude and appetite of all animals were evaluated daily.


RESULTS
None of the animals developed clinically apparent adverse effects. A mild decrease in sorbitol dehydrogenase activity was detected in animals that underwent a single liver biopsy, and mild decreases in plasma protein and albumin concentrations were detected in animals that underwent multiple biopsies. Other significant changes were not detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study suggest that liver biopsy is safe in healthy llamas and alpacas and that, if necessary, multiple weekly liver biopsies can be performed safely in healthy alpacas.
Anderson
D E
DE
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Silveira
F
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D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000662:veterinary*; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000502:physiology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D007064:L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D013045:Species Specificity; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood
D012709:Serum Albumin; D002784:Cholesterol; D007064:L-Iditol 2-Dehydrogenase; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D001663:Bilirubin