CAL: Wobbly Alpaca (McSloy)

Question 1

How many thoracic vertebrae do alpacas have?

Answer 1

12

Question 2

what are radiographs useful for dx?

Answer 2

• bony lesions (fx, neoplasia, infectious [discospondylitis, osteomyelitis)
• IVDD

Question 3

What further diagnostics may be performed on a painful spinal lesion with a mass identified on rads

Answer 3

• CSF tap (cytology and culture)
• biopsy to r/o inflam v neoplasia
• culture blood/urine + sensitivity
• MRI ($$$ and need GA)
• CT (most likely, better than rads)

Question 4

What CT changes can be seen with vertebral bone abscessation?

Answer 4

• lysis
• scleroisis
• bone sequestration + soft tissue changes

Question 5

What dz are young alpacas renowned for? 2nd most likel dx?

Answer 5

> discospondylitis/vertebral abscessation
- neonates susceptible to bactereamic spread d/t FPT
- 3-12mo alpaca, HL signs consistnet w/ spinal dz = top dx
- commonly affect thoracolumbar junction (d/t blood supply)
2nd most likely = trauma
- camelids very stoic and only show signs late dz

Question 6

Is tx of vertebral abscessation possible?

Answer 6

• has been successful if tx early enough (before severe onset of clinical signs)

Question 7

What is the tx of discospondylitis/vertebral abscessation?

Answer 7

• BS ABx with good penetration (oxytet, cephalosporins)
• culture and sesnitivty
• NSAIDs
• Surgical decompression, debridement and stabilisation