Hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and hyperosmolarity in 6 neonatal llamas andalpacas

Neonatal camelids can develop hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, and hyperosmola rity in response to a combination of stress and inadequate water intake. Clinical signs of this syndrome include a fine head tremor, ataxia, and a b ase-wide stance of the hind limbs, but biochemical analyses are necessary t o confirm the diagnosis. Camelids appear to be susceptible to this syndrome because of a poor insuli n response to hyperglycemia; hypernatremia results from free water loss ass ociated with glucose diuresis. Water loss associated with glucose diuresis may necessitate a higher rate o f fluid administration in camelids with this syndrome than is typically use d for treatment of hypernatremia in calves.