Clinical Pathology of Llamas

Pathogenesis of Streptococcus zooepidemicus infection after intratracheal inoculation in llamas

“…Hematologic changes included neutrophilic leukocytosis, high band cell counts, toxic changes in neutrophils, and hyperfibrinogenemia. Neutrophilic leukocytosis also was present in camelids before infection, probably as the result of the stress response, 22 whereas the other hematologic changes were specific to infected camelids. Peritoneal fluid nucleated cell counts and protein concentrations rose consistently in llamas that developed clinical disease.…”

Disorders of the Neurologic System and Special Senses

“…healthy camelids. [1][2][3][4] The general consensus is that nucleated cell counts should not exceed 3 to 5 per microliter (µL) and microprotein concentration should not exceed 50 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Unless blood contamination is present, the major nucleated cell types (up to 90% combined) should be small or large mononuclear cells.…”

Clinical Pathology

“…[58][59][60] Adults have highly variable, although generally low, immunoglobulin concentrations, with concentrations ranging from 127 to 3969 mg/dL in one study; most have γ-globulin fractions of less than 1 g/dL, which is lower than those of most ruminants. 53,61 Conditions associated with hypoimmunoglobulinemia beyond the neonatal period include the transition period between the waning of maternal immunoglobulin and the onset of vigorous endogenous production, protein-losing conditions in general, and immunodeficiency syndromes, including juvenile llama immunodeficiency syndrome (JLIDS). 62 When severe, it is best treated through administration of plasma.…”