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Neubert S, Puff C, Kleinschmidt S, Kammeyer P, von Altrock A, Wendt M, Wagener MG. Pathological findings in South American camelids presented at a farm animal clinic in Northern Germany (2005-2021). Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:2121-2134. [PMID: 38630427 PMCID: PMC11315760 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10369-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
To expand the knowledge about common diseases in llamas and alpacas in Germany, a screening of the cases of South American camelids presented at the Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany from 2005 to the end of November 2021 was performed. A retrospective evaluation of necropsy reports from this period was conducted. Overall, necropsy reports were evaluated from 187 alpacas, 35 llamas and one vicuña (n = 223). A total of 50.2% of the dissected animals were thin or cachectic. Pathological alterations of the gastrointestinal tract were the most common findings (44.8%). In addition, liver changes were recorded, most frequently in adult animals. In contrast, diseases of the respiratory tract and the nervous system were found more frequently in juvenile animals. This study provides an overview of common pathologies in South American camelids in Germany and thus may help to recognise different disease symptoms at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Neubert
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patricia Kammeyer
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra von Altrock
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Wendt
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
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Nabil G, Ahmed YH, Ahmed O, Milad SS, Hisham M, Rafat M, Atia M, Shokry AA. Argel's stemmoside C as a novel natural remedy for mice with alcohol-induced gastric ulcer based on its molecular mechanistic pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 327:117970. [PMID: 38428660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Solenostemma argel is widely distributed in Africa & Asia with traditional usage in alleviating abdominal colic, aches, & cramps. This plant is rich in phytochemicals, which must be explored for its pharmacological effects. PURPOSE Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is the digestion of the digestive tube. PUD not only interferes with food digestion & nutrient absorption, damages one of the largest defensive barriers against pathogenic micro-organisms, but also impedes drug absorption & bioavailability, rendering the oral route, the most convenient way, ineffective. Omeprazole, one of the indispensable cost-effective proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) extensively prescribed to control PUD, is showing growing apprehensions toward multiple drug interactions & side effects. Hence, finding a natural alternative with Omeprazole-like activity & limited side effects is a medical concern. STUDY DESIGN Therefore, we present Stemmoside C as a new gastroprotective phytochemical agent isolated from Solenostemma argel to be tested in upgrading doses against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in mice compared to negative, positive, & reference Omeprazole groups. METHODS We carried out in-depth pharmacological & histopathological studies to determine the possible mechanistic pathway. RESULTS Our results showed that Stemmoside C protected the stomach against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers parallel to Omeprazole. Furthermore, the mechanistic studies revealed that Stemmoside C produced its effect using an orchestrated array of different mechanisms. Stemmoside C stimulates stomach defense by increasing COX-2, PGE-2, NO, & TFF-1 healing factors, IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine, & Nrf-2 & HO-1 anti-oxidant pathways. It also suppresses stomach ulceration by inhibiting leucocyte recruitment, especially neutrophils, leading to subsequent inhibition of NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β, & iNOS pro-inflammatory cytokines & JAK-1/STAT-3 inflammation-induced carcinogenicity cascade in addition to MMP-9 responsible for tissue degradation. CONCLUSION These findings cast light on Stemmoside C's clinical application against gastric ulcer progression, recurrence, & tumorigenicity & concurrently with chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Nabil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
| | - Yasmine H Ahmed
- Department of Cytology & Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Omaima Ahmed
- Department of Cytology & Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Selvia S Milad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Hisham
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Rafat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Atia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Aya A Shokry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.
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Schregel J, Zdora I, Gerhauser I, Punsmann TM, Aboling S, Ganter M, Wagener MG. Rhododendron poisoning in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Northern Germany. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1671-1681. [PMID: 38483734 PMCID: PMC11147844 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Poisoning is often suspected to be the origin of disease in South American camelids (SACs) by owners, but only in a few cases this assumption can be confirmed. In small ruminants, rhododendron poisoning is a common emergency for livestock veterinarians. However, this condition has rarely been reported in SACs so far. This paper provides information regarding clinical findings, hematology, clinical chemistry, and treatment of four alpacas after presumed intake of rhododendron leaves including pathological findings of one of the animals. Rhododendron leaves contain grayanatoxins that lead to hyperpolarization of excitable cells. Clinical signs that were observed in the presented alpacas comprised: salivation, dehydration, decreased motility of compartment 1, uncoordinated regurgitation, and cardiac arrhythmia. Clinical chemistry revealed that rhododendron poisoning was associated with metabolic acidosis and azotaemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Most striking macroscopic and histopathological findings included gastric ulceration, and renal infarcts along with inflammatory changes. Leaves of Rhododendron spp. were identified in the forestomach content of this animal. Affected animals were treated symptomatically as there is no specific antidote in rhododendron poisoning. This included parenteral rehydration, treatment of metabolic acidosis (infusion of sodium bicarbonate solution), and oral administration of activated charcoal to bind potential toxins. In addition, antibiotic treatment might be necessary to prevent aspiration pneumonia in case of uncoordinated regurgitation. Of the four animals, the worst affected alpaca was euthanized, one had minimal signs and two responded to supportive care and recovered. In conclusion, rhododendron poisoning might be fatal for alpacas in individual cases and therefore rhododendron bushes should not be placed in the habitat of SACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Schregel
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Isabel Zdora
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ingo Gerhauser
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Teresa Maria Punsmann
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sabine Aboling
- Institute for Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Wagener MG, Marahrens H, Ganter M. Anaemia in South American camelids - an overview of clinical and laboratory diagnostics. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:633-647. [PMID: 38049672 PMCID: PMC10998796 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10274-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
South American camelids (SACs) play an increasing role in veterinary care in Europe. Many alpacas or llamas presented to veterinarians suffer from anaemia, regularly with a packed cell volume (PCV) below 0.10 l/l, which is a life-threatening condition for the animals. This review article presents clinical and laboratory diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. Clinical identification of anaemic animals can be performed by assessing the FAMACHA© score and the Body Condition Score (BCS), since anaemia in alpacas and llamas correlates with pale mucous membranes and a lowered BCS. Haematological examination of a blood sample can provide a more differentiated diagnosis of anaemia in SACs. A common finding is regenerative anaemia with an increased number of reticulocytes that is often caused by blood loss due to Haemonchus contortus. Changes in a blood smear from an alpaca or llama with regenerative anaemia may include normoblasts (nucleated red blood cells), anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, polychromasia, Howell-Jolly bodies or basophilic stippling. Furthermore, non-regenerative anaemia, often caused by trace element deficiency or cachexia, can also occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hannah Marahrens
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Wagener MG, Ganter M, Leonhard-Marek S. Body condition scoring in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas (Lama glama) - a scoping review. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:665-684. [PMID: 38133845 PMCID: PMC10998785 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10275-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of the body condition score (BCS) is an important tool to check the nutritional status of an animal, and thus can provide important information in herd management, but also in the veterinary examination of individual animals. In dairy farming, BCS has been recognized as an important parameter for a long time already, but over the years body condition scoring has also become more important for other species. Especially in South American camelids (SACs: alpacas and llamas), whose dense coat can hide a poor nutritional status for a long time, regular assessment of the BCS is recommended by different authors and organizations. To date, there are several instructions for the assessment of the BCS in SACs, which, however, differ significantly in some points. For a consistent approach, a total of 35 instructions for the BCS in SACs were compared in a scoping review. The spine, especially the lumbar vertebrae as well as the ribs were identified as the two main body sites recommended for assessing the BCS. Furthermore, the area between the front and rear leg and the pelvis were mentioned frequently; however, these body sites were discussed controversially. The paralumbar fossa, shoulder, and udder were only mentioned sporadically. Among the various scales, the 1-5 scale was mentioned most frequently, with the optimal BCS being 3. Nonetheless, physiological fluctuation due to breed, age, sex, pregnancy, and lactation have to be considered. The BCS should be assessed each time the animals are handled, but at least monthly. In contrast to body weight, the BCS reflects the nutritional status of an animal even after a single examination. The review showed that much of the available information on the assessment of BCS in SACs is based on practical experience rather than scientific evidence. Indeed, some of the assumptions made there might still have to be verified or modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Leonhard-Marek
- Library, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Enteric listeriosis in ewes grazing stubble. Vet Rec 2024; 194:222-224. [PMID: 38488587 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
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Marahrens H, von Dörnberg K, Molnár V, Gregor KM, Leitzen E, von Altrock A, Polifka A, Ganter M, Wagener MG. Copper Intoxication in South American Camelids-Review of the Literature and First Report of a Case in a Vicuña (Vicugna vicugna). Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04102-x. [PMID: 38421580 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Copper (Cu), an essential trace element in the metabolism of mammals, plays a central role in various metabolic processes. However, overdosing can lead to severe symptoms and even fatalities. Chronic Cu intoxication continues to be a problem in grazing and domestic animals, with sheep being particularly sensitive. There are few comparative studies on its impact on South American camelids (SACs). Therefore, this work presents the results of literature research combined with a case report on a 3-year-old female vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) presented to the clinic from a zoological garden in northern Germany. The animal showed reduced food intake, recumbency, bruxism, icteric mucous membranes and sclera. Auscultation revealed atony of the third compartment and the digestive tract. Similar to cases described in the literature, the animal showed rapid deterioration of its condition with unspecific symptoms of liver failure and rapid death. However, in contrast to descriptions in sheep, clinical icterus has not been previously reported in cases of other SACs. Laboratory findings from EDTA and serum samples revealed neutrophilia with a left shift, hypoproteinaemia, lymphopaenia, azotaemia, elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) in the serum. Hyperbilirubinaemia and significantly elevated serum and liver Cu levels were observed. Subsequent blood samples from the remaining vicuñas and alpacas in the same enclosure showed no remarkable abnormalities. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case report represents the first documented case of Cu intoxication specifically in vicuñas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Marahrens
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | - V Molnár
- Hannover Adventure Zoo, Hannover, Germany
| | - K M Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - E Leitzen
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - A von Altrock
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - A Polifka
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - M G Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Wagener MG, Kammeyer P, Kleinschmidt S, Neubert S, Ganter M. [Diaphragmatic hernia in a female alpaca (Vicugna pacos)]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:386-390. [PMID: 38056471 DOI: 10.1055/a-2199-0431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
A 3-year-old pregnant female alpaca was noticed due to increased lying and decreased feed intake after shearing. Twelve days after shearing, she aborted an almost completely developed cria. After another two days, the alpaca was recumbent and subsequently died during transport to the clinic. A dissection of the carcass revealed a diaphragmatic hernia. Diaphragmatic hernias have been described in many different species, diagnosis can be made by radiography or ultrasound. Depending on the extent, surgical therapy may be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Klinik für kleine Klauentiere und forensische Medizin und Ambulatorische Klinik, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
| | - Patricia Kammeyer
- Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Lebensmittel- und Veterinärinstitut Braunschweig/Hannover
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit, Lebensmittel- und Veterinärinstitut Braunschweig/Hannover
| | - Saskia Neubert
- Klinik für kleine Klauentiere und forensische Medizin und Ambulatorische Klinik, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
| | - Martin Ganter
- Klinik für kleine Klauentiere und forensische Medizin und Ambulatorische Klinik, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
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Wagener MG, Punsmann TM, Kleinschmidt S, Surholt R, Neubert S, Marahrens H, Großmann T, Ganter M. Severe anaemia secondary to a perforated gastric ulcer in a male alpaca. Ir Vet J 2023; 76:22. [PMID: 37689785 PMCID: PMC10492335 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-023-00251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaemia is a common condition in alpacas and attributable to a variety of causes. Severe anaemia with a packed cell volume (PCV) less than 10% is frequently diagnosed, usually due to blood loss resulting from haemonchosis. Many South American camelids (SACs) also suffer from gastric ulcers, which are often associated with anaemia in other species. However, in alpacas and llamas, gastric ulcers usually do not lead to anaemia due to blood loss according to the current literature. There are no detailed clinical and laboratory data on this condition in the scientific literature so far. CASE PRESENTATION We report on the case of a nine-year-old male alpaca that was presented to the clinic with suspected forestomach acidosis. The animal showed clinical signs of colic, hypothermia, tachypnea, tachycardia, pale mucous membranes, and died shortly after admission to the clinic. Laboratory diagnosis revealed a markedly decreased haematocrit (0.13 l/l), leucopaenia with band neutrophils, azotaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and vitamin D deficiency. Post-mortem examination revealed multiple ulcers in the first and third compartment with perforation of one ulcer in the first compartment, resulting in intraluminal blood loss and purulent peritonitis. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this is the first detailed description of clinical and laboratory data of severe anaemia due to a perforated gastric ulcer in a SAC. Although the current literature suggests that severe blood loss due to gastric ulcers does not occur in SACs, this condition should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in anaemic animals. Clinical indicators can be colic and pale mucous membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Wagener
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Teresa Maria Punsmann
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Surholt
- Tierarztpraxis Dr. Ralf Surholt, 27639, Midlum, Wurster Nordseeküste, Germany
| | - Saskia Neubert
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hannah Marahrens
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thekla Großmann
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany
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