Intraperitoneal Infusion of Alpaca Plasma

Manawatu Veterinary Services; 43-45 Manchester St, Feilding; Ph. (06) 323 6161

Procedure for veterinary administration of plasma to alpaca cria:

• Thaw plasma in a water bath. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE!!!
  
  
• Plasma is administered intraperitoneal on the RIGHT upper flank of the cria.
  
  
• 1mg Butorphanol sedation for cria who are standing or fractious to handling.
  
  
• Clip the right upper flank region.
  
  
• Surgical preparation of site.
  
  
• Make a small lidocaine (local) bleb in the skin in the prepped area.
  
  
• Alcohol spray the site.
  
  
• Lay cria on left side – left lateral recumbency.
  
  
• Using a #15 scalpel make a small stab incision through the skin.
  
  
• Use a 16g catheter or sterile teat cannula to penetrate through the abdominal muscles. Tent the body wall up when penetrating the muscles to avoid organs.
  
  
• Connect IV giving set (+/- filter) to the thawed plasma and run through the cannula or catheter.
  
  
• Plasma should be at body temperature (37.5-38 degrees).
  
  
• Can run in 300ml unit in 15-20 minutes or as fast as can go without causing discomfort in the cria.
  
  
• May have to tent skin every so often to allow plasma to flow properly.
  
  
• Single stitch or super glue skin incision when finished.
  
  
• Cover cria with 5 days penicillin (tricarcillin is best if you can obtain it). Incorporate gentamicin into antibiotic coverage as well if cria is sick.