Comparative Effects of Plasma and Hetastarch
on the Colloid Osmotic Pressure of Alpaca
Erica McKenzie, BSc, BVMS, PhD, (Mentor Christopher Cebra VMD, MS)
Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine
1 yr - $12,776. ARF contributed $4000.
Sick alpacas frequently develop a low blood protein concentration which complicates treatment and recovery. Currently, low blood protein is usually treated with llama plasma. However, hetastarch, a synthetic product, may have a stronger effect and longer duration of action, and is considerably less expensive. The objective of this study is to compare equivalent doses of hetastarch and llama plasma to determine safe and effective treatments for low blood protein concentrations in alpacas.