Anaemia in minor farm species

Question 1

Most common causes of anaemia in camelids

Answer 1

• Mycoplasma haemolamae
• Haemonchus contortus
• C3 ulcer

Question 2

Mycoplasma haemolamae aetiology

Answer 2

• requires a vector intermediate host
• once in the bloodstream of the definitive host it adheres to erythrocyte membrane
• As a result it increases the fragility of the erythrocytes and the elimination of the cells in the spleen, resulting in anaemia.

Question 3

Mycoplasma haemolamae CS

Answer 3

• haemolytic anaemia
• Acute dz - inappetence, sudden weakness, pyrexia
• Chronic dz – lethargy, weight loss/wasting, decreased fertility

Question 4

Mycoplasma haemolamae diagnosis

Answer 4

• blood smears (in field as M. haemolamae are known to detach from RBCs during sample transportation)
• PCR is useful to confirm presence

Question 5

Mycoplasma haemolamae tx

Answer 5

• 20mg/kg long-acting oxytet sc.
• supportive treatment e.g. blood transfusions

Question 6

Mycoplasma haemolamae control measures

Answer 6

• control of insect vectors. - Don’t reuse needles.
• good biosecurity (i.e. contaminated equipment)

Question 7

Haemonchus contortus aetiology

Answer 7

• abomasal/GI nematode.
• simple direct lifecycle – L3 ingested by host
• Penetrates the lining of the abomasum using anterior spicules
• They feed on blood therefore can cause anaemia
• If the worm burden is high the removal of blood can overtake erythropoiesis and this can cause death
• causes hypoproteinaemia hence bottle jaw.

Question 8

Haemonchus contortus CS

Answer 8

• acute – severe anaemia + generalised oedema (also bottle jaw in subacute infections), hyperpnoea, tachypnoea
• hyperacute – death within 1wk of infection w/o notable clinical signs.
• chronic – progressive weight loss.
• can also cause diarrhoea and decrease in wool quality

Question 9

Haemonchus contortus diagnosis

Answer 9

• McMaster slide to count eggs.
• adults on necropsy.
• condition of abomasum – red haemorrhagic surface may be seen.

Question 10

Haemonchus contortus tx

Answer 10

• benzimidazoles 1st
• levamisole 2nd
• macrocyclic lactones (avermectins and milbemycins) 3rd.

Question 11

Haemonchus contortus control measures

Answer 11

• quarantine and treatment of incoming sheep.
• closed herd.

Question 12

C3 ulcer aetiology

Answer 12

• Eimeria macusaniensis can cause 3rd stomach compartment (C3) ulcers.
• stress – often develop 3-5 days after change in environment, serious injuries and illness

Question 13

C3 ulcer CS

Answer 13

• decreased food intake
• intermittent to severe colic
• bruxism
• depression.

Question 14

C3 ulcer diagnosis

Answer 14

• no reliable ante-mortem diagnostic procedures are available

Question 15

C3 ulcer tx

Answer 15

• parenteral admin of omeprazole or pantoprazole reduces acid production.
• parenteral antimicrobials and supportive therapy help.

Question 16

C3 ulcer control measures

Answer 16

• stress reduction
• resolve any primary disease

Question 17

Plants that cause anaemia in goats

Answer 17

• Giant fennel
• Bracken fern
• Sweet clover
• Allium spp
• Brassicaceae family