title: Neurologic diseases in llamas and alpacas.
abstract: Llamas and alpacas are affected by a wide range of neurologic diseases, including listeriosis, polioencephalomalacia, encephalitis caused by West Nile virus and equine herpesvirus, and meningeal worm. Cervical luxations and subluxations appear to be more common in camelids than in other species. Camelids that have otitis or discospondylitis may not present with clinical signs until the underlying pathology is severe. Meningitis and brain abscesses are an important complication of failure of passive transfer of immunity in crias. The cerebrospinal fluid tap is especially useful for diagnosing meningeal worm and ruling out other diseases. CT and MRI are particularly useful when intracranial disease is suspected or for spinal lesions that show only subtle lesions on plain radiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. cwhitehead@rvc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bedenice
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007762:Labyrinthitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D008129:Lolium / Q000382:microbiology; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000633:toxicity; D010273:Parasitic Diseases, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D009183:Mycotoxins