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Research
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Camelid Research at the University of Minnesota!!! | | | | | | Our Faculty, staff and students are engaged in a variety of research projects involving the study of New World Camelids. We work jointly with nationally and internationally recognized experts in camelid and human medicine. Our team of clinicians and scientists has contributed several papers in scientific journals as well as presentations at international and national meetings. | | | | | 1. Investigation of the Multiple-Malformation Syndrome in Llamas and Alpacas Associated with Choanal Atresia. Funding Agency: Morris Animal Foundation and Alpaca Research Foundation Principal investigator: Dr. Annibal Armien, Veterinary Pathologist, University of Minnesota Co-investigators: Dr. Kent M. Reed, Geneticist, University of Minnesota Dr. Anna Firshman, Large Animal Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Choanal Atresia (CA) is a common malformation in new world camelids that prevents airflow from the nose to the larynx. Camelids, like humans, are obligate nasal breathers and when CA is present aspiration of milk into the lungs can occur early in life frequently resulting in pneumonia and death. Dr. Armien discovered that CA in alpacas and llamas is part of a multiple malformation syndrome which shares many similarities with the human "CHARGE" syndrome. The study will provide a detailed characterization of CA in alpacas and llamas and test a candidate gene for association with CA. | | | | | 2. Investigation of Insulin Resistance in Alpacas and Llamas Funding agency: Morris Animal Foundation and Alpaca Research Foundation Primary investigator: Dr. Anna Firshman, Large Animal Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota Co-investigators: Dr. Elizabeth R. Seaquist MD, Professor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Dr. Chriss Cebra, Large Animal Internal Medicine, Oregon State University Hospitalized alpacas and llamas often develop a condition known as fatty liver, which regardless of the severity of the initial problem, often causes death. Their susceptibility to this condition may be in part due to their unique way of handling blood sugar. Previous studies have shown these animals have reduced glucose tolerance and high resistance to insulin compared to other species. In particular the share similarities to humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We are studying insulin secretion and sensitivity in both healthy and sick animals using specialized techniques so that we can gain a greater understanding of camelid physiology and to develop effective treatment strategies for fatty liver. | | | | | 3. Evaluation of a Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test Protocol for Use in Alpacas Funding agency: Alpaca Research Foundation Primary investigator: Rebecca Davies, PhD, Veterinary Endocrinology, University of Minnesota Thyroid hormones are important modulators of growth and metabolism and affect nearly every body system. Diagnostic tests that determine thyroid hormone concentration and the ability of the thyroid gland to respond to regulatory stimulation are readily available for most species. However, appropriate testing protocols for thyroid function in the alpaca have not been established. In this study we will determine whether a thyroid stimulation test protocol used in other species is useful for evaluating the responsiveness of the alpaca thyroid gland. | | | | | 4. The Effect of Oral Omeprazole on Third Compartment Ph in Clinically Normal Alpacas Funding agency: Alpaca Research Foundation Primary investigator: Jennifer Johnson, University of Minnesota Third compartment ulcers are a serious medical condition in stressed and sick camelids. Therefore, it is critical to the health of the camelid for ulcers to be treated quickly and effectively. The easiest way to treat ulcers is through the use of orally administered anti-ulcer medications. Previous work has shown that many anti-ulcer medications used in veterinary medicine, such as ranitidine and cimetidine, are ineffective in altering gastric pH in camelids. Research in dromedary camels showed the omeprazole, currently marked for horses as GastroGard® has detectable blood levels when administered orally. the goal of this study was to determine the effects of orally administered omeprazole on gastric pH in healthy alpacas. The results showed that administration of 4mg/kg orally twice per day would likely be ineffective for the treatment of third compartment ulcers in alpacas. | |
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