Surgical correction of a bilateral lateral luxation of the patella in an adult alpaca

Abstract

A bilateral lateral luxation of the patella was diagnosed in an 8‐year‐old, 54 kg, neutered, male alpaca presented with hindquarter weakness progressing to periods of prolonged recumbency over the last 2 weeks. The patient underwent a correction of the condition using a block recess trochleoplasty combined with a medial imbrication on both hindlimbs, performed 15 days apart. Postoperative radiographs confirmed the correct repositioning of the patella. Immediately after the second surgery, the alpaca was able to get up and move freely. No postoperative complications occurred, and the alpaca was discharged from the clinic 15 days after the second surgery. Two years after discharge, the alpaca is doing well with no recurrence of the luxation. Considering the quick recovery and the safe and relatively simple procedure, this technique may be considered an option in unilateral or bilateral patellar luxations in alpacas.