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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Virus and Prion Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #105059
Title: THROMBOSIS OF THE SPLENIC VEIN IN LLAMAS (LAMA GLAMA)

Author
item Hamir, Amirali
item TIMM, K - OR.ST.UNIV.,CORVALLIS,OR.
item SMITH, B - OR.ST.UNIV.,CORVALLIS,OR.

Submitted to: Veterinary Record
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Thrombosis of the splenic vein is uncommon in domestic farm animals. During a period of 2.5 years (1995-1998) 88 adult South American camelids from farms in the northwest United States were examined. Eleven were alpacas and 77 were llamas. In 10 llamas a blood vessel(vein) near the spleen was found with blockages (thrombi). Eight of the affected llamas were females and 2 were males. The thrombi varied in size from 1 to 8 cm. in length. Their gross appearance and microscopic findings were similar and were indicative of a long-standing lesion (subacute or chronic). Since none of the llamas showed any significant numbers of inflammatory cells, an infectious agent was not suspected as the cause of thrombi formation. This is the first documentation of thrombosis of the splenic vein in llamas. None of the affected llamas manifested any clinical signs associated with this lesion. However, since in all cases the thrombi appeared to have been npresent for some time, the lesions may have been initiated as a result of past local or generalized problems. Veterinarians who use procedures to investigate diseases (x-ray and ultrasound) should be aware of this finding in llamas (and probably in other South American camelids).

Technical Abstract: This communication documents findings of venous thrombi in spleens of ten llamas. During a period of 2.5 years (1995-1998) necropsy examinations were performed on 88 adult South American camelids from farms in the northwest United States. Eleven were alpacas and 77 were llamas. Splenic vein thrombi were seen in ten llamas. Eight were females and 2 were males. .The thrombi varied in size from 1 to 8 cm. in length. Their gross appearance and histopathological findings were similar and were indicative of either subacute or chronic lesion. None showed any significant numbers of inflammatory cells and, therefore an infectious etiology was excluded. This is the first documentation of thrombosis of the splenic vein in llamas. None of the affected llamas manifested any clinical signs associated with this lesion. However, since in all cases the thrombi appeared to have been present for some time (subacute to chronic), the lesions may have been initiated as a result of a past local or systemic problems. Veterinarians who use diagnostic procedures such as abdominal radiology or ultrasound should be aware of this incidental finding in llamas (and probably in other South American camelids).