Drugs to Avoid or Use with Caution in South American Camelids

Lidocaine

Toxicosis at doses >4 mg/kg characterized by lethargy, ataxia, slow and labored breathing, weakness, hypotension, decreased consciousness

Use at lower doses of 2–4 mg/kg

Diazepam at 0.1–0.5 mg/kg, IV

Glucocorticoids (dexamethasone, prednisolone, etc)

Abortion, fetal death, and complications of pregnancy, including retained placenta and uterine prolapse

Do not use any steroid-containing product in a pregnant female camelid, including topicals; steroids should be avoided in all animals having contact with a pregnant dam, because even mild topical contact can cause abortion

None

Tilmicosin

Death from cardiovascular toxicity due to calcium channel blockade

Do not use this drug in camelids

None

Ceftiofur (long-acting formulation given IV)

Neurologic signs, including blindness

Do not use IV in camelids; can be used SC

Tolazoline

Death following initial signs of anxiety, hyperesthesia, hypersalivation, tachypnea, convulsions, hypotension, and gastrointestinal hypermotility/diarrhea

Use atipamezole or yohimbine to reverse α₂-adrenergic agonists

None

Dinoprost tromethamine (prostaglandin F2α)

Rapid death, likely due to bronchiolar constriction and pulmonary edema

Do not use

None

Leptospirosis 5-way killed vaccine

Associated with type-2 hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis

Avoid or use with caution and pretreat with antihistamines

If a reaction occurs, patient can be treated with antihistamines

Atropine, both ophthalmic and parenteral formulations

Causes long-lasting pupillary dilation lasting as long as a week

Keep out of direct sunlight until papillary response is normal

None

B-complex vitamin

Pruritus or hyperexcitement

Avoid in animals with known hypersensitivity

Antihistamines can be used for treatment

Topical insecticides including eprinomectin and 10% permethrin

Dermatitis and blistering

Avoid in animals with known sensitivity

Supportive care, analgesics