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Immunization of Alpacas (Lama pacos) with Protein Antigens and Production of Antigen-specific Single Domain Antibodies
Published on: January 26, 2019
Cerebellar abiotrophy in an alpaca (Lama pacos)
1Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA. pmouser@mspca.org
Veterinary Pathology
|July 17, 2009
Summary
Cerebellar abiotrophy, a neurological disorder causing premature neuron degeneration, was identified in an alpaca. This condition, characterized by tremors and ataxia, is documented here with novel immunohistochemical findings in a camelid.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Neurobiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Cerebellar abiotrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting domestic animals.
- It leads to progressive neurological deficits after a period of normal development.
Observation:
- A 1.5-year-old alpaca exhibited intention tremors, hypermetria, and a wide-based stance.
- Clinical signs indicated a progressive neurological condition.
Findings:
- Histopathology revealed Purkinje cell absence, reduced granule cells, and white matter thinning in the cerebellar vermis.
- Immunohistochemistry showed increased glial fibrillary acidic protein and reduced neurofilament immunoreactivity.
Implications:
- This is the first documented case of cerebellar abiotrophy in a camelid.
- The study provides the first immunohistochemical characterization of this condition in an alpaca, aiding future diagnostics.
