RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Persistent hyperglycemia is common in alpacas and typically requires insulin administration for resolution; however, little is known about alpacas' response to different insulin formulations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of 3 insulin formulations on blood glucose concentrations and the use of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in alpacas. ANIMALS: Six healthy alpacas. METHODS: The CGM was installed in the left paralumbar fossa at the start of this crossover study and recorded data every 5 minutes. Regular insulin, NPH insulin, insulin glargine, and dextrose were administered to each alpaca over a 2-week period. Blood samples were collected for glucose testing at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 hours, and then every 6 hours after each administration of insulin or dextrose. Data were compared by using method comparison techniques, error grid plots, and ANOVA. RESULTS: Blood glucose concentrations decreased most rapidly after regular insulin administration when administered IV or SC as compared to the other formulations. The NPH insulin produced the longest suppression of blood glucose. The mean CGM interstitial compartment glucose concentrations were typically lower than the intravascular compartment glucose concentrations. The alpacas had no adverse reactions to the different insulin formulations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The NPH insulin might be more appropriate for long-term use in hyperglycemic alpacas because of its extended duration of action. A CGM is useful in monitoring glucose trends and reducing blood collection events, but it should not be the sole method for determining treatment protocols.
Assuntos
Glicemia/análise , Camelídeos Americanos/sangue , Insulina Isófana/farmacologia , Insulina de Ação Prolongada/farmacologia , Insulina/farmacologia , Animais , Camelídeos Americanos/metabolismo , Insulina Glargina , Masculino , Monitorização Fisiológica/métodos , Monitorização Fisiológica/veterináriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Morbidity and case fatality from rattlesnake envenomation is regionally specific because of variability in relative toxicity of the species of snake encountered. A previous report of rattlesnake envenomation in New World camelids (NWC) from the western coastal United States documented high case fatality rates and guarded prognosis for survival. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical findings, treatments, and outcome of NWC with prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) envenomation in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. ANIMALS: Twenty-seven NWC admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of acute rattlesnake envenomation between 1992 and 2012. METHODS: Medical records of NWC evaluated for rattlesnake envenomation as coded by the attending clinician and identified by a database search were reviewed retrospectively. Month of admission, signalment, area of bite, clinical and clinicopathologic data, treatments, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five llamas and 2 alpacas were admitted for envenomation. Llamas were overrepresented compared to hospital caseload. The face was the most common site of envenomation, observed in 96% of recorded cases. Presenting clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and respiratory distress. Nine animals required a tracheotomy. Median hospitalization time was 3 days and overall survival rate was 69%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Case fatality rate for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in NWC was lower than that reported in the Western coastal region of the United States and similar to that reported for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in horses.