Neuweltkameliden in der Schweiz. II. Referenzwerte für hämatologische und blutchemische Parameter

Abstract

In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.

Dystrophic mineralization of the arterial fibrovascular tissue associated with a vitamin D hypervitaminosis in an 8-year-old female Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

“…Range values from live animals are in accordance with Hengrave Burri et al, [3], Dawson et al, [4], and Husakova et al, [5]. Unfortunately, no reference range values regarding dead animals are available.…”

Anaemia in a llama (Lama glama): treatment, regeneration and differential diagnoses

“…The total bilirubin level did not increase (1.31 µmol/l; reference limits: 0.2–1.41 µmol/l5). Copper in the serum was within the reference limits (4.26–11.85 µmol/l6) with 11.8 µmol/l (sample for copper was from day 18 onwards).…”

“…A 450-ml whole blood was taken from a 14-year-old female llama from the same flock that, to the owner’s knowledge, was not related to the patient. The donor was clinically healthy and showed no signs of anaemia (FAMACHA: 1; PCV: 28 per cent, reference: 27–35 per cent5). Blood was collected from the jugular vein of the donor by using a blood bag (CPDA-1 blood bag, Terumo BCT Europe NV, Zaventem, Belgium) containing 63-ml anticoagulant (100-ml anticoagulant containing Acidum citricum (monohydrate) 0.327 g; sodium citrate (dihydrate) 2.630 g; monosodium phosphate (dihydrate) 0.251 g; dextrose (anhydrate) 2.900 g; adenine 0.0275 g; Aqua ad iniectabilia q.s.…”

“…Anisocytosis, polychromasia and poikilocytosis were determined semiquantitatively from + (appears microscopically not in every field of view) to ++++ (more than 50% of erythrocytes are affected)*Reference limits from 5 or from 49.nd, not determined.…”

First report on nasal myiasis in an alpaca “Vicugna pacos” – a case report

“…The analysis of blood samples and faeces showed mild anaemia, granulocytosis and lymphopenia (Table 1 ). Eosinophils were not increased above the upper reference limits [ 7 ]. Clinical chemistry revealed slight hyperproteinaemia, hyperalbuminaemia, hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia (Table 1 ).…”