Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Alpacas got anemia and Heinz bodies after eating red maple leaves
By Dewitt, Shane F et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hemolysis and Heinz body formation associated with ingestion of red maple leaves in two alpacas.
- Species:
- cattle
Plain-English summary
Two adult female alpacas suddenly became weak and showed signs of depression after eating wilted red maple leaves. They developed anemia and had pale gums due to the breakdown of their red blood cells, a condition known as hemolysis. To save their lives, they received blood transfusions, including a special treatment with bovine hemoglobin before whole blood was available. Fortunately, both alpacas recovered without any complications after treatment.
People also search for: alpaca weakness symptoms · red maple leaves poisoning in alpacas · treatment for anemia in alpacas
Abstract
Two adult female alpacas were evaluated for acute onset of weakness, pale mucous membranes, and signs of depression of unknown etiology. Both alpacas had intravascular hemolysis, anemia, and Heinz body formation and had been fed wilted red maple leaves. Clinical signs developed several days after ingestion of the leaves. No other toxin exposure was reported, and no parasites were detected. Dietary copper and nitrate-nitrite concentrations were evaluated and determined to be within reference limits. Both alpacas continued to become profoundly anemic with continued hemolysis. This necessitated blood transfusion as a life-saving intervention; however, prior to whole blood being available, transfusion with bovine hemoglobin glutamer was necessary. Both alpacas recovered without complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15344367/