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 LLAMA & ALPACA

RESEARCH UPDATE

                 Lama Medical Research Group Report

                        Lama Community 2002

                    Kansas City, MO  August 2-4

 

 Morris Animal Foundation reports the following ongoing, nearing completion or newly completed studies currently being funded in the Llama/Alpaca Division. Funding occurs through a combination of co-sponsorships from the camelid community ($25,322), general llama/alpaca dollars ($30,706), and unrestricted MAF funds for a total current expenditure in MAF fiscal year 2001-2002 of $150,774.

 Total funding this year in all divisions (equine, canine, feline, wildlife, llama/alpaca and miscellaneous) to date is $4,021,819 compared to $3,722,000 last year and $2,403,000 the year before. Ten years ago, Morris Animal Foundation spent $700,000 total on animal research.

 

 The following are summaries and general progress reports on the 2001-2002 ongoing projects. Specific information is confidential until results are presented or published in the appropriate journal.

Early Neutering/Bone Growth - The Ohio State University, David E. Anderson, DVM
"Effects of Early Castration on Phenotypic Development and Long Bone Growth in Lamas"
Castration at an early age may cause geldings to continue bone growth beyond the normal age at which closure of growth plates normally occurs. These geldings are often tall, straight-legged, and may suffer from kneecap luxations or early arthritis. The investigators are studying the association between castration and long bone growth, in an effort to then make recommendations for proper timing of castration or hormonal therapy.
Dr. Anderson reports that the study, although delayed for 6 months, has gone smoothly and measurements are proceeding as planned. Final report due October 2002.
 3 years- 3rd year amount of $4994 fully sponsored by RMLA.

 

 Meningeal Worm Vaccine - Cornell University, Dr. Judith A. Appleton, Ph.D.
"Vaccination to Prevent Disease Caused by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis"
The investigators goal is to develop a vaccine that would prevent disease caused by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (meningeal worm) in llamas and alpacas. It is very difficult to prevent exposure of susceptible animals. Beneficial effects of available therapies are unproven at this time. Vaccination would prevent disease despite continued exposure to pathogens. The objectives of this study are to use recombinant DNA methods to construct and test a vaccine for meningeal worm in llamas and alpacas.

In year one of this 3-year study, Dr. Appleton reports success with her first objective and the study is proceeding smoothly. This study is available for sponsorship.
 3 year total- $151,148. ARF is a co-sponsor with $4250, LAMAS with $2500 and GALA has co-sponsored $23,664. Llamas of Minnesota is a co-sponsor for Year 2. There is significant financial carry over to next year.

 

 Parasitic Treatments - Kansas State University, Robert P. Hunter, Ph.D.
"Study of the Pharmacokinetics of Topical Doramectin and Moxidectin in Camelids"
Doramectin (DOR) and Moxidectin (MOX) are drugs used to treat internal and external parasites. In llamas, there is limited information regarding metabolism and disposition of topical DOR and MOX. Most dosages are extrapolated from other large domesticated animals, however differences in anatomy and physiology of llamas from other animals could result in inefficiencies or toxicities. This study investigates the absorption and elimination of DOR and MOX following topical administration in both llamas and alpacas.
Dr. Hunter reports the study will be complete in October, 2002, with a presentation and two articles on the data planned for submission. 
1 year- $56,360 ( $8000 funded by general llama /alpaca dollars and remaining by unrestricted MAF dollars.)


Anesthetic Gases - Oregon State University, Dr. Tamara Grubb, DVM, MS
"Determination of Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane and Desflurane in Camelids"
During the recovery phase of anesthesia, camelids are highly prone to airway obstruction, which can be life threatening. A more rapid recovery from anesthesia would attenuate or alleviate this complication. The anesthetic gases sevoflurane and desflurane produce extremely rapid recovery in other species and should produce the same for camelids. This study determines the potency and physiological effects of these agents in camelids.
 She anticipates a finish date of August 2002 and submission of at least two articles.

2 years- $5,012 no sponsors (funded by general llama/alpaca dollars) However since the researcher is finished early, second year funding may not be necessary.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Texas A&M University, Jeffery MB Musser, DVM, Ph.D.
"Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Phenylbutazone and Flunixin Meglumine in Llamas"
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for musculoskeletal disorders, inflammation, and pain management in llamas. Most dosages are extrapolated from other large domesticated animals (cattle, horse, and camels); however, differences in anatomy and physiology of llamas from other animals could result in inefficiencies or toxicities. This study investigates the absorption, distribution and metabolism of phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine (NSAIDs), given orally, in an effort to establish appropriate dosing regimens.

Dr. Musser reports he has completed the goals in this pilot study. He refers to an article by Dr. Navarre, et al, J. of Vet Phamacology Therapy 2001 regarding range of bioavailability of this substance. MAF expects results and final report in October.
1 year- $6,750. $2500 co-sponsored by ARF.


Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - University of Illinois, Tomas Martin-Jimenez, DVM, Ph.D
"Pharmacokinetics and Safety Profiles of Flunixin Meglumine and Ketoprofen in Llamas"
Humane treatment of diseased and injured llamas often involves drugs to control pain, inflammation, or fever. The most commonly used drugs are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Appropriate dosages and potential adverse effects of NSAIDs have not been scientifically documented in llamas. This study investigates the disposition (pharmacokinetics) and adverse effects of two NSAIDs, given by injection, so that appropriate and safe dosage regimens can be established for llamas.
Dr. Martin-Jimenez expects to complete this preliminary study by October, 2002.
1 year- $7500. No sponsors. Funded through general Llama/Alpaca dollars.


Antimicrobial Therapy - University of Missouri, Jeff Lakritz, DVM, Ph.D.
"Pharmacokinetics of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxozole in South American Camelidae"
South American Camelid (SAC) populations have undergone sustained growth rates in the USA. There are no medications that are approved specifically for use in SACs. Veterinarians are faced with prescribing antibiotics for treatment of infectious disease with little information on the efficacy in SACs. This study is determining absorption of an antibiotic, trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole in SACs after oral administration. Plasma concentrations achieved after oral dosing will allow determination of appropriate doses and intervals for use in SACs.
Dr. Lakritz reports he will be finished in August of 2002 and hopes to publish a review article for the practitioner regarding efficacy of oral dosing of these drugs. In an abstract submitted to the ACVIM presentation in May 2002, Dr. Lakritz concluded that therapeutic concentrations of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole may not be achieved after oral administration to alpacas.

1 year- $14,904. $2,500 co-sponsored by ARF, with remaining sponsorship through unrestricted MAF funds.

 

 These studies are near completion or were recently completed:

 

 Zinc deficiency - Purdue University, Janice Sojka, VMD
"Zinc Bioavailability and Metabolism in llamas"
Zinc deficiency diseases are common in llamas. Our ability to either prevent or to detect and treat zinc deficiency is hampered by our limited knowledge of zinc metabolism in llamas under various dietary circumstances. The investigators propose to give llamas non-radioactive stable isotopes to track the metabolism of zinc. At the end of the study they will be able to provide recommendations for zinc intakes in llamas on both alfalfa and grass hay based diets. Final report is in as of 1 August 2002. Two articles planned for submission to Am J of Vet Res.

1 year, $24, 987. Sponsored by unrestricted MAF funds.

 

 Antimicrobial Therapy- Texas A & M University, Dawn Boothe, DVM, PhD

“Disposition of Sulfadimethoxine in Llama Glama Following Single Intravenous and Oral Administration”

Study to determine the dose and interval of sulfadimethdoxine in llamas that will achieve and maintain therapeutic concentrations necessary to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Dr. Boothe is submitting her findings to the J of Zoological and Wildlife Medicine.

She states her findings “support the need for scientific confirmation of drug dosing regimens in the targeted species, i.e. in llamas.” [as opposed to traditional extrapolation from cattle dosing]

1 year- $10,325, $2500 co-sponsored by ARF.

 

 PCR Assay of Epe- Oregon State University, Susan Tornquist, DVM, Ph.D.

“Investigation of Eperythrozoonosis in Camelids Using a PCR-based Assay”

Eperythrozoon is a parasite of camelid red blood cells. It has been associated with severe anemia and death, and seen in lower numbers in camelids with less serious illness. Little is known about prevalence, transmission and effectiveness of treatment in camelids.

The pilot study objectives were to develop an assay as above to detect Eperythrozoonosis in camelids and to use the assay to examine variables in sub-clinical infections. Dr. Tornquist reports she accomplished the project goals and plans further work in this area depending upon funding.

1 year- $9,534. Co-sponsored by ARF ($2500) and by the ILF Vickers Memorial Fund at the request of Nel Vickers in memory of Dr. Jim Vickers.

 

 Johne’s Disease- Oregon State University, Bradford B. Smith, DVM, Ph.D.
"Pathogenesis of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease) in the Lama"
Johne's disease is a serious intestinal disease in the llama and alpaca caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and characterized by ill health, chronic weight loss, and severe diarrhea. This study establishes the temporal relationship between infection and (a) shedding of the bacteria in feces (indicator of infectivity), (b) the time of onset of clinical symptoms after infection, and (c) the development of antibodies to the infection (critical in identification of infected but non- shedding animals.) Dr. Smith reports satisfactory progress and an estimated completion date of August, 2002
3 years- Fully sponsored by ARF for three year total of $25,076. (1st year-$7492; 2nd year-$7592; 3rd year- $9992.)
 

 Meningeal Worm Diagnosis- Purdue University, Michel Levy, DVM
"Antemortem Diagnosis of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in Llamas"
Meningeal worm infection in llamas may cause damage to the central nervous system, resulting in severe neurological disease, with signs of incoordination, paralysis, and death. The disease is common in llamas raised in areas where both white-tailed deer and P. tenuis are endemic. Treatment is not successful in eliminating the infections and definitive diagnosis is not possible until necropsy. The investigators propose to develop a reliable serodiagnostic assay for P. tenuis infections in living llama hosts, which will enable earlier diagnosis of the infection and development of effective control programs.

Dr. Levy reports his project, if successful when complete, will have developed an ante-mortem diagnostic test for P. tenuis infections in llamas.

1 year-$40,435.  Co-sponsored by LAMAS ($2500).

 

  Dewormers in Feed- The Ohio State University, David E. Anderson, DVM
"Pharmacokinetics of Fenbendazole and Ivermectin Impregnated Feed in Llamas"
Ivermectin and fenbendazole are used routinely in llamas for treatment of internal parasites and for prevention of meningeal worm (P tenuis) infection. The appropriate dose and frequency of administration has been based on clinical observation and extrapolation of data from other species, and may not be accurate. The investigators are examining dosing regimens using medicated feed.
Dr. Anderson reports he has completed the stated goals of the study and awaits pharmacology data for final analysis. A manuscript will be submitted for publication.

1 year- $8290. Fully funded by LANA.

 

 Other Research Ongoing

 

 The WVLF Research Committee reports receiving 5 proposals for funding from Oregon State University totaling $65,133. Areas included toxicology of fescue, nutrition, hepatic lipidosis, and support of the OSU research herd. They raised $20,000 in March and are supporting OSU projects with those monies.

 

 The SSLA supports Dr. Christine Navarre’s intraosseous cannulation for short and long term vascular access in llamas project at Auburn University.

 

 LAMAS and GALA, besides donating to MAF as above, gave funding to the CAL-ILA PZP sterilization study finishing up in CA and Peru.

 

 The International Camelid “Initiative” (ICI) reports raising nearly $90,000 in the Camelid Health Foundation’s December fundraiser, bringing it to about $150,000 toward its endowment goal of 1 million.

 

 As the LMRG enters its 10th year, we are pleased to have added four new members. Dr. Julie Jarvinen of Ames, IA is representing AOBA. Dr. Toni Cotton of Findlay, OH is sponsored by ORVLA and links us closely with Ohio State University.  Dr. Kimberly Schwanky of Cochrane, Alberta steps in for the Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association. Finally, Dr. Kecia Smilie of Salem, OR is newly representing the WVLF. Vast appreciation goes to departing members Dr. Cheryl Tillman of Bend, OR and our fantastic past chair Dr. Allan Dewald, formerly the AOBA rep, from Rapid City, SD, who remains closely in touch to be our ARF and MAF liaison.

 

 Despite generous support from many individuals and organizations, donations to MAF research overall were down in 2001-2002. Allan Dewald has graphed the discrepancy and makes the situation clear. Perhaps there are predictable cycles in any fundraising efforts. Perhaps the events of September 11th changed our focus temporarily. If we wish continued progress toward a comprehensive body of camelid health knowledge, each of us must practice that generosity for which our lama community is renowned. Together we accomplish miracles! Thank you all for your support of camelid medical research.

 

 For further details, please visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

 

 Report prepared by Hilary Ware and Dr. Allan Dewald, July 2002,

for the LMRG:

AOBA- Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association

RMLA- Rocky Mountain Lama Association

ORVLA- Ohio River Valley Llama association

LANA- Llama Association of North America

WVLF- Willamette Valley Llama Foundation

CLAA- Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association

GALA- Greater Appalachian Llama and Alpaca Association

LAMAS- Lama Association of the Middle Atlantic States

SSLA- Southern States Llama Association

 

 

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