Ataxia and hypermetria caused by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection in llamas
Krogdahl, D.W.; Thilsted, J.P.; Olsen, S.K.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 190(2): 191-193
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3818432 Document Number: 296094
P. tenuis was recovered from the spinal cord of a pregnant llama that developed ataxia and hypermetria soon after transfer of 7 llamas from Virginia to northern New Mexico, USA. 2 other llamas also became ataxic. The pathological findings are discussed. It was concluded that P. tenuis infection should be considered in cases of neurological diseases in sheep, goats and llamas when these animals have been grazing pastures inhabited by Odocoileus virginianus. If other pastures are unavailable prophylactic treatment with ivermectin (given on this occasion to the entire llama herd at 200 micro g/kg bwt once a month for 6 months) at 2-monthly intervals should be considered.