Pathological findings in South American camelids presented at a farm animal clinic in Northern Germany (2005–2021)

Abstract

To expand the knowledge about common diseases in llamas and alpacas in Germany, a screening of the cases of South American camelids presented at the Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany from 2005 to the end of November 2021 was performed. A retrospective evaluation of necropsy reports from this period was conducted. Overall, necropsy reports were evaluated from 187 alpacas, 35 llamas and one vicuña (n = 223). A total of 50.2% of the dissected animals were thin or cachectic. Pathological alterations of the gastrointestinal tract were the most common findings (44.8%). In addition, liver changes were recorded, most frequently in adult animals. In contrast, diseases of the respiratory tract and the nervous system were found more frequently in juvenile animals. This study provides an overview of common pathologies in South American camelids in Germany and thus may help to recognise different disease symptoms at an early stage.

Relationships between body condition score, body weight and body measurements in alpacas

“…A low nutritional status is a common problem in SACs and can be attributed to chronic infectious diseases, endoparasites, dental problems or poor feeding management [ 45 ]. A retrospective study of necropsy data from SACs presented to our clinic over a 16-year period showed that more than half of the animals were thin or cachectic, which often went undetected for a long time [ 46 ]. Therefore, regular examination of the BCS by the owner is recommended to detect emaciated alpacas and llamas in time.…”

Choanenatresie bei einem Alpakacria (Vicugna pacos)

“…Der genaue Zeitrahmen für das Schließen des Ductus arteriosus bei neugeborenen Kameliden ist nicht bekannt, es wird aber vermutet, dass dieser Verschluss bis zu 72 Stunden post partum dauern kann [28]. Auswertungen von Sektionsdaten von Neuweltkamelen aus der Klinik für kleine Klauentiere zeigten bei 2 Tieren eine beidseitige Choanenatresie, die mit dem Fehlen der Bulbi olfactorii assoziiert war [29]. In Anbetracht möglicher weiterer Missbildungen sollte eine chirurgische Therapie betroffener Tiere kritisch evaluiert werden.…”