[Alpacasite] Re: Plasma Transfusion based on bovine colostrum reading

Kati

First, a review of the basics;

In theory, alpaca colostrum is passively tranfered only in the first
24 hours. If the cria is to passively transfer antibodies from her
dam's colostrum (or from anything else she swallows) she must do it
in the first 24 hours. After that, antibodies in the gut will be
digested just like any other protein.

Antibodies and antibody testing plates are very specific. Bovine
colostrum will supply your cria with effective antibodies, however,
these bovine IgG molecules will not register at all on the plates
used to test alpaca IgG. Alpaca plates register only alpaca IgG, and
bovine plates register only bovine IgG.

Serum protein tests will measure both albumen and immunoglobulin (IgG
and other antibodies). Some folks have suggested getting a simple
protein level and subtracting the albumen portion. The remainder will
be a gross measure of serum immunoglobulin. This test is much less
specific than IgG plating, but it's easier (a simple blood draw and
send it to the lab). I have never used this method myself, nor do I
plan on doing so in the future.

And finally, (in my opinion) the alpaca community gives
disproportionate attention to IgG levels. Health is not dependant
solely on passive transfer of IgG, though this is one important
element. The rest of the cria's immune system (white blood cells of
various kinds and other humeral factors) is also in play and not
dependant on colostrum. Also important are a healthy, dry, wind
protected environment, a good bond between mother and cria, and good
milk (both in quality and amount) from the dam.

So, with that review out of the way, we know you have a healthy
active cria that is actively gaining weight, and the cria did get
some bovine colostrum in the first 24 hours.

I can't tell you specifically what to ask your vet. I can only tell
you what has gone through my own mind when I have been in this
situation.

If I had a cria who was given bovine colostrum, I would not have
gotten an (alpaca) IgG measurement. Such a measurement tells me
nothing, and helps me not in the least in making further decisions.
If for some reason I had a low alpaca IgG measurement in a situation
like this I would ignore it.

I would make my decision concerning the need or lack thereof for
plasma transfusion solely on two factors. 1) Did the cria get
adequate bovine colostrum, and 2)is the cria healthy, gaining weight,
and in a safe and protected environment.

Here is one other bit of information as an aside. Kati, I'm sure you
already know this but some of the newer breeders may not. There are
very experienced large alpaca farms that never measure IgG and never
give plasma transfusions. Those that I know personally have very
successful programs with very, very little cria morbidity or
mortality. One farm I know had about 80 cria this year. There were no
cria mortalities, and I've got to think that just based on odds that
some of those cria had low IgG levels.

Enough from me on this topic. Usual disclaimer; not a vet, just a doc
who's been raising alpacas for 7 years and thinks about issues like
this regularly every spring and fall birthing season.

Neil
A Paca Fun Farm
Mt. Airy, Maryland
Sugarloaf Mountain, Maryland
www.apacafunfarm.com

--- In Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com, "Kati" <kati.dickey@s...> wrote:
>
> Hi Group,
>
> I know that IgG issues have been discussed here quite a bit and
I've saved a number of them for reference but I'd like a little
help...
>
> We had a cria born Thanksgiving Day (11/24). The dam's milk did
not come in til the next day so we bottle-fed bovine colostrum during
the 1st 24 hours. We had some success with this but I would have
liked to have gotten more into her. Two days later we had her IgG
tested and today I was advised by the Vet Tech that her IgG was less
than a 100 and the vet recommended plasma. Now there has been
discussion here on different types of testing for alpaca versus
bovine colostrum. Additionally I know that there are different types
of IgG tests done on alpacas themselves. There was also something
discussed about measuring total protein when an animal has
only/primarily been fed bovine colostrum and making a decision on the
need for a plasma transfusion from that.
>
> The Vet Tech indicated that the less than reading was an alpaca IgG
test but she couldn't give me any more info relative to the issues
I've discussed above. She said I should call and speak with the vet
herself tomorrow.
>
> My vet is a small animal vet who raises llamas herself. For a
number of reasons, I'm afraid my confidence in her has been
compromised but as she lives 2 miles away and there are no other vets
for miles, I need to maintain a good relationship with her.
>
> So when I call her tomorrow, what specifically should I be asking
her? And what answers should I hear that would tell me a plasma
transfusion is necessary? I should mention the cria is extremely
active, nursing well, and has gained almost 4 pounds in the 8 days
since her birth. Any help would be appreciated!
>
>
> Kati Dickey
> Hummingbird Woods Alpacas
> Centreville, MD
>
> p.s. any ideas for a name for a cria born on Thanksgiving Day would
be appreciated! : )
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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