Sudden death following dystocia and peritoneal contamination with a polyethylene polymer‐based obstetrical lubricant in an alpaca

Abstract

A four‐year‐old alpaca suffered muscle tremors, weakness and rear limb paresis following transvaginal correction of dystocia with the aid of a polyethylene oxide polymer (PEP) obstetrical lubricant. A large volume of serosanguinous fluid containing a viscous substance consistent with the PEP lubricant was found in the abdomen. The alpaca died 5.5 hours after dystocia and postmortem examination confirmed multiple uterine tears and presence of a large volume of PEP in the abdomen. The onset of clinical signs and death are consistent with that reported after intraperitoneal instillation of PEP‐based lubricants in horses and cows. Veterinarians should exercise caution when using PEP‐based lubricants based on the risk of death if intra‐abdominal contamination with PEP occurs.