A Case of Diebetes Mellitus in Adult Female Alpaca（Vicugna pacos）

Abstract

　An eight year old female Alpaca （Vicugna pacos） presented with posterior limb muscle atrophy and hoof ulcer. The animal was emaciated. No gastrointestinal symptoms were observed. Laboratory analysis results revealed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, high amylase, anemia and ketonuria, leading to suspicion of diabetes mellitus. The animal died before initiation of insulin treatment. Postmortem exams revealed a reduction of pancreatic islet cells and artherosclerotic plaques, and diabetes mellitus was diagnosed. This is the first report of diabetes in Alpacas in Japan.