Effects of percutaneous liver biopsy in alpacas and llamas

Objective-To determine changes in results of selected serum biochemical tes ts after a single percutaneous liver biopsy and changes in results of hemat ologic and selected serum biochemical rests after multiple percutaneous liv er biopsies in alpacas and llamas. Animals-5 llamas and 10 alpacas. Procedure-A single percutaneous liver biopsy was performed in 5 llamas and 6 alpacas. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 2, and 3 days after l iver biopsy, and submitted for serum biochemical analysis. In the other 4 a lpacas, liver biopsy was performed on day 0 and then weekly for 4 weeks. Bl ood samples were collected at the time of each biopsy, and CBC and serum bi ochemical analyses were performed. Attitude and appetite of all animals wer e evaluated daily. Results-None of the animals developed clinically apparent adverse effects, A mild decrease in sorbitol dehydrogenase activity was detected in animals that underwent a single liver biopsy, and mild decreases in plasma protein and albumin concentrations were detected in animals that underwent multiple biopsies. Other significant changes were not detected, Conclusions-Results of this study suggest that liver biopsy is safe in heal thy Ilamas and alpacas and that, if necessary, multiple weekly liver biopsi es can be performed safely in healthy alpacas.