FORESTOMACH ACIDOSIS IN 6 NEW-WORLD CAMELIDS

Forestomach acidosis was diagnosed in 2 llamas and 4 alpacas. All were young, group-housed, sexually intact males. Clinical signs included f orestomach atony, lethargy, ataxia, diarrhea, and tachycardia. Foresto mach distention was observed in only 1 llama. Clinicopathologic abnorm alities included low forestomach fluid pH, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia , and metabolic acidosis. Although camelids differ from domestic rumin ants in typical management practices and behavioral, anatomic, and phy siologic characteristics, they are, nonetheless, susceptible to forest omach acidosis. Gastric fluid analysis was essential for an accurate d iagnosis. Four of 6 camelids recovered after PO and IV treatment with alkalinizing agents and fluids, antibiotics, and thiamine.