Identification and Treatment of Alpaca Metabolic Syndrome
Joseph Wakshlag, DVM
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY
$30,044 9/01/08-8/31/10
The rising numbers of alpacas presenting to large animal hospitals has created a need for a better understanding of camelid diseases, metabolism and nutrient requirements. Over the past 4 years we have had approximately 160 alpaca medicine cases each year presenting to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Approximately 40 of those every year are young pre-weaned (1-6 month old) alpacas presenting with respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses that lead to appetite loss for extended periods of time. In many situations the presenting cria will be hyperglycemic and hyperlipemic despite supportive therapy. Often the poor response and demise of these alpacas is due to hepatic lipidosis, a sequela of severe illness that may result from inadequate nutritional status. Unfortunately, dextrose-containing solutions used to provide an energy source, only further exacerbates the hyperglycemia. Consequently, insulin is given at high doses to drive the glucose into cells. Yet, these animals are insulin resistant which impairs appropriate metabolism. This study aims to investigate both the metabolic profiles of normal and sick pre-weaned alpacas. The second goal is to investigate the use of amino acid rich complete parenteral nutrition in critically ill pre-weaned alpacas to determine if it improves morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients over dextrose solutions alone.