DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEMS ANEMIA IN ALPAKAS

In South America, moderate to severe anemia is a relatively common problem in alpacas presented to referral institutions and in those seen in private practices. The anemia is, at times, unexplained, and can be very debilitating. Possible causes of anemia in alpacas are parasitic gastroenteritis, Mycoplasma haemolamae, gastric ulcers, iron deficiency in the diet. Fe deficiency anemia is due to different causes, which lead to too low concentration of Fe in the body and impossibility of heme synthesis.A case reportAlpaca herd examined which were located near Lublin. The herd numbered 12 animals. Alpacas stayed for two months in the owner. In 7 animals we observed apathy, they became sad with reduced or lack of appetite, thirst reduced or normal. One out of seven alpacas was debilitated, lying, poorly responsive to the environment. We observed sick animals pale mucous membranes in a clinical study. Blood samples and faeces for laboratory animals from the healthy and the sick animals. We drew blood counts and biochemical: concentration of iron and selenium and the Mycoplasma haemolamae. We carried out a study of parasitological of faeces.Alpacas did not show symptoms, they had all parameters in reference interval. Result selenium concentration in the serum was correct in all exanimated animals. Testing for Mycoplasma haemolamae was negative. The study revealed single eggs gastrointestinal parasites in study of parasitological of faeces.In sick animals there was observed anemia, microcytic, hypochromic. This indicated iron deficiency. In these cases, iron concentration, ranged from 3.13 to 9.75 mmol / L. However, in other animals, concentration of this element is in the range reference standards (11-29 mmol / L) for adult alpacas. An effective iron dextran  treatment to even out the level of serum Fe.ConclusionsIn our case, anemia was caused by nutritional deficiencies of iron, which gave way to the long-term supplementation of this element.