Cantharidin toxicosis in 2 alpacas.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Comparative Pathology
• Ruminant/Pseudoruminant Medicine

Background:

• Cantharidin toxicosis is a severe poisoning affecting livestock and horses, typically caused by ingestion of blister beetles.
• Camelids, including alpacas, are susceptible to various toxicities, but specific data on cantharidin poisoning in this species is limited.

Observation:

• Two adult alpacas presented with severe clinical signs including recumbency and reluctance to rise.
• Initial clinical assessment and ancillary diagnostics raised suspicion of cantharidin toxicosis.

Findings:

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed the diagnosis of cantharidin toxicosis by detecting cantharidin in gastric contents and urine.
• Despite aggressive medical management, both affected alpacas succumbed to the toxicosis.

Implications:

• This report describes the first documented case of blister beetle toxicosis in camelids.
• The findings underscore the critical need for awareness and potentially novel treatment strategies for cantharidin poisoning in alpacas and other pseudoruminants.
• Further research into the pathophysiology and treatment of cantharidin toxicosis in camelids is warranted.