Multisystem Disorders

Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Two-Year-Old Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

“…However, C3 ulcers are not uncommon in camelids and are frequently associated with anorexia, physiologic and environmental stressors, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 8 This animal was given a single 2.2-mg/kg dose of flunixin meglumine preoperatively, but it was not known whether the owner had treated the alpaca with NSAIDs before presentation.…”

Camelidae

“…Tissues will rapidly autolyze under these conditions, so prompt post mortem inspection is critical to make a diagnosis. Lesions suggestive of hyperthermia include petechial hemorrhages, hyperemia, thrombosis, pulmonary edema and congestion, neuronal necrosis, hepatic necrosis, and renal tubular necrosis (Fowler, 2010g). Hypothermia can also be a concern in NW and OW camelids kept in northern climates where frostbite can occur; it primarily affects the ears.…”

“…("gopher ear") that can be distinguished from healed frostbite by the presence of fibrosis and alopecia at the squared margin of the latter, distinct from the haired and tapered tip of the former (Fowler, 2010g).…”

“…Ulceration of the camelid stomachs (C-1 through C-3) is a common lesion that can be a primary disease process or develop in association with other disease states (Fowler, 2010g). In C-1 and C-2, ulcerations are typically noted along the margins of saccules primarily in the glandular regions ( Fig.…”

“…Neoplasia is not common in camelids. Relatively few reports exist in the literature, though one review of cases in a diagnostic laboratory puts the prevalence in llamas at 11% and in alpacas at 4.9% (Fowler, 2010g;Valentine and Martin, 2007). It is unlikely that this is due to decreased reporting in these species, as there is considerable veterinary and abbatoir attention to camelids.…”