SUSPECTED PARELAPHOSTRONGYLOSIS IN 5 LLAMAS

Parelaphostrongylosis was diagnosed tentatively in five Ilamas from 19 87 to 1995. All Ilamas had a sudden onset of weakness or ataxia and at least one of the following signs of spinal cord dysfunction including exaggerated patellar reflexes conscious proprioceptive deficits and i ncreased extensor tone. The concentration of protein and eosinophils w as increased in cerebrospinal fluid aspirated from the lumbosacral spa ce in three Ilamas. All Ilamas were treated with anthelmintic and anti -inflammatory drugs, The neurologic status of all Ilamas deteriorated or did not improve and the Ilamas were euthanized. Microscopic examina tion of the spinal cord white matter in ail Ilamas revealed multifocal , random areas of cavitation, axonal swelling and necrosis. The progno sis for recovery of Ilamas with suspected parelaphostrongylosis is poo r based on the Ilamas in this series.