Hypothermia Treatment

H e r i t a g e F a r m S u r i A l p a c a s

Valuing Our Past, Breeding for the Future

Treatment of hypothermia involves warmth, nutrition, and correction of underlying problems (e.g. milk supplements for crias whose dam is not lactating). Critical hypothermia occurs when core body temperature drops below 90 F. Consider the following treatments:

1. Protection. Get the animal into a well-insulated, preferably heated area.

2. Warmth. Wrap the animal in heated blankets. Using a heat lamp in a cold stall can be detrimental because the direct heat causes dilation of the surface blood vessels, which can exacerbate heat loss. By incubating the animal in a warm blanket, heat loss in prevented.

3. Time. Avoid too rapid heating. Warming a critically cold animal up too quickly can cause as much harm as the hypothermia because of altered blood flow and liberation of potassium and organic acids that built up during the period of poor blood flow caused by hypothermia. These can cause the heart to stop!

4. Energy. Intravenous administration of electrolytes and glucose are most useful. If an IV line is not available, glucose or other carbohydrate syrups (e.g. honey, fructose, and maple syrup) may be fed orally or may be inserted into the rectum. Yes, that's right! Camelids can absorb glucose from the rectum if there is adequate blood flow. All liquid supplements should be warmed to approximately 95 to 100 F.

5. Oxygen. Always a useful supplement to debilitated animals, but particularly useful to critically hypothermic animals.

6. Steroids. This is controversial because of camelids sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Our research suggests that dexamethasone should not be used in camelids. Prednisone type steroids may be safely used for short periods at modest dosages (e.g. not exceeding 1 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days).

7. Ulcers. I recommend prophylactic use of antiulcer medications for high-risk camelids. I prefer omeprazole (2 to 4 mg/kg, orally, once or twice daily).

8. Nutrition. Encourage the camelid to eat themselves back to health.

9. Stress. Companion animals are always welcome! Treat any underlying disease, parasites, etc.

10. Recovery. The effects of damage from hypothermia may not be fully realized for a day or two. These animals must be kept under constant vigil for 3 to 5 days to be sure other complications will not be suffered (e.g.diarrhea, depression, etc.).

Although heat stress is of great concern to camelids residing in North America, cold stress is equally important. Forethought and preparation will help you keep your llamas and alpacas from being caught with their fur coat down!

This continuing education article is provided by the International Camelid Institute. Consider making a donation today by contacting Karen Longbrake at phone 614-688-8160, fax 614-292-7185, e-mail longbrake.1@osu.edu, or www.internationalcamelidinstitute.org.

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Hypothermia — Treatment
By David E Anderson, DVM, MS, DACVS

Volume 1, Issue 2, Winter 2006

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Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas t Tim and Beth Sheets. t Flora, IN 46929

Text Box: Many people may be skeptical about raising suris in harsh winter environments because suri fleece offers less protection from the elements than that of the huacaya. Suri fiber forms a part and lies flat down the back on the animal, exposing skin along the topline to weather conditions. Suris are therefore not only exposed to the sun, rain, wind and snow but are also more susceptible to heat loss. Although it is a challenge, harsh weather conditions can be managed successfully by using common sense. Below are some management tips to consider: Provide shelter with sufficient protection from wind and water. In the fall, acclimate suris to the barn by shutting then in at night. Close windows and doors in the windiest weather. However, always allow for some ventilation. Stuffy, stale barns breed disease. Bed thickly with good quality straw and change regularly. Plan breedings to eliminate winter births. This is not only less stressful for the cria, but you will worry less as well. Feed free choice good quality grass hay. Suri alpacas can be managed successfully in cold northern climates, but the must be managed. They are remarkably hardy animals and very forgiving of the first time livestock owner. With a little common sense and daily observation from their keepers, suris do a wonderful job taking care of themselves. Adapted from an article by Brad Sprouse from Purely Suri magazine, Summer 2003.

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