Diagnosis and management of hypoaldosteronism without hypoadrenocorticism in an alpaca

Kelly A. Butterworth Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

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Alessandra M. Pellegrini-Masini Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

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Michelle H. Barton Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

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 DVM, PhD, DACVIM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.240.6.748
Volume/Issue:
Volume 240: Issue 6
Online Publication Date:
15 Mar 2012
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Abstract

Case Description—Primary hypoaldosteronism without concurrent hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in an 8-year-old female alpaca with acute onset of weakness progressing to recumbency within 6 hours after onset.

Clinical Findings—Hematologic testing at admission revealed profound hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and acidemia with a normal blood potassium concentration. Further diagnostic testing, including an ACTH stimulation test, led to a diagnosis of hypoaldosteronism in conjunction with normal cortisol production.

Treatment and Outcome—The hembra responded well to IV polyionic fluid therapy with sodium supplementation and was managed successfully long term with free access to saline (0.9% NaCl) solution in addition to water ad libitum.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hypoaldosteronism in an alpaca. Hypoaldosteronism should be considered in alpacas as a possible differential diagnosis for refractory hyponatremia or for hyponatremia in which an underlying etiology is not determined.

Abstract

Case Description—Primary hypoaldosteronism without concurrent hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed in an 8-year-old female alpaca with acute onset of weakness progressing to recumbency within 6 hours after onset.

Clinical Findings—Hematologic testing at admission revealed profound hyponatremia, hypochloremia, and acidemia with a normal blood potassium concentration. Further diagnostic testing, including an ACTH stimulation test, led to a diagnosis of hypoaldosteronism in conjunction with normal cortisol production.

Treatment and Outcome—The hembra responded well to IV polyionic fluid therapy with sodium supplementation and was managed successfully long term with free access to saline (0.9% NaCl) solution in addition to water ad libitum.

Clinical Relevance—To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hypoaldosteronism in an alpaca. Hypoaldosteronism should be considered in alpacas as a possible differential diagnosis for refractory hyponatremia or for hyponatremia in which an underlying etiology is not determined.

Contributor Notes

Supported by the Southeastern Alpaca Association. Crooked Pines Hollow Alpaca Farm provided healthy control alpacas for comparison testing.

Address correspondence to Dr. Butterworth (kelly.butterworth@gmail.com).
Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Publication Date:
15 Mar 2012
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