Oleander intoxication in New World camelids: 12 cases (1995-2006).
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the clinical and clinicopathologic effects and evaluate outcome associated with oleander toxicosis in New World camelids.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
11 llamas and 1 alpaca.


METHODS
Medical records from a veterinary medical teaching hospital from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2006, were reviewed. Records of all New World camelids that had detectable amounts of oleandrin in samples of serum, urine, or gastrointestinal fluid were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, and outcome of affected camelids.


RESULTS
11 llamas and 1 alpaca met the inclusion criteria of the study. Either oleander plants were present where the camelids resided (n = 7) or oleander plant material was identified in the hay fed to the camelids (5). One llama was dead on arrival at the hospital, and another was euthanized upon admission because of financial concerns. Of the 10 treated camelids, 9 had evidence of acute renal failure, 7 had gastrointestinal signs, and 4 had cardiac dysrhythmias on initial evaluation. The overall mortality rate was 25%, but the mortality rate for the 10 camelids that were medically treated was 10%.


CONCLUSIONS
In New World camelids, oleander intoxication was associated with a triad of clinical effects (ie, renal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular dysfunction). Oleander intoxication often represented a herd problem but carried a fair to good prognosis if treated promptly. Oleander toxicosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in sick camelids.
Kozikowski
Tania A
TA
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Magdesian
K Gary
KG
Puschner
Birgit
B
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D030007:Nerium / Q000506:poisoning*; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies