Camelids Flashcards
What is housed in a group?
Harem
Adult female
Female/dam
Castrated male
Gelding
Neonate
Cria
A camelid older than 1 year but not yet 2 years of age
Yearling
Normal temperature in camelids
99 degrees to F to 101.5 degrees F
Normal pulse rate in camelids
60 to 90 per minute
Normal respiration rate in camelids
10 to 30 per minute
What is a normal weight of a Llama?
280 to 450 lbs
What is a normal weight for an Alpaca?
150 to 185 lb
What is the difference between Alpacas and Llamas?
Alpacas are smaller than Llamas
Alpacas are softer than Llamas
What are the wild cousins of Alpacas and Llamas?
Vicunas and Guanacos
What are the methods of restraint for Camelids?
Halter
Stocks
Chutes
Tilt Table
What type of estrous cycle cycle do Camelids have?
Polyestrous
What is the gestation period of Camelids?
335 to 365 days
What is the optimal time of breeding for Camelids?
They are induced ovulators
Crias are born with what?
An epidermal membrane
The epidermal membrane is connected to what?
Mucocutaneous junctions and coronary bands
What is the normal body temperature for a cria?
100 degrees F to 102 degrees F
What is a normal heart rate for a cria?
70 and 100 bpm
What is normal respiration for a cria?
20 to 30 bpm
What increases the chances of abscess formation in crias?
Suture of the umbilical stump as it does not allow for proper drainage
When is the best time to test for passive transfer?
Between 36 hours and 7 days of age
What is a common cause of mortality in camelid neonates?
Failure of passive transfer
What is an adequate colostrum intake?
10% to 20% of body weight in 24 hours
What is known as the Berserk Male Syndrome?
orphan or bottle-fed male camelids can be very dangerous
What are the different methods of restraining camelids
Halters, stocks, chutes, and tilt tables are used for restraining camelids
Why is live cover the common method used to breed camelids?
because they are induced ovulators
How is semen collected in camelids?
either an artificial vagina or electroejaculation
Why is the left uterine horn recommended for artificial insemination in camelids?
because it is more likely for the pregnancy to take from that side
How many crias are typically born?
One or two crias are typically born
In what species of small camelids are twins more common in?
Llamas
Do camelids typically eat the placenta?
No
Why are crias predisposed to Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)?
because the nature of their placenta is a diffuse epitheliochorial, which leads to poor transfer of antibodies
What is the permanent dentition in camelids?
2x (1/3 I, 1/1 C, 2-3/1-2 P, 0/0 M)
As functional ruminants, what is the best diet for camelids?
A diet low in protein (10% crude protein for maintenance), 0.3% calcium, low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1:2:1), no copper and no oats is best for camelids
What is unique about Camelid erythrocytes?
Camelid erythrocytes are oval and can swell up to 240% of their normal size without being destroyed
Camelids are susceptible to which mineral toxicity?
Copper
What is seen with Iron deficiencies? Zinc deficiencies?
Failure to thrive syndome is cria is thought to be linked to iron deficiencies, while zinc deficiencies can cause
dermatitis.
What anatomical locations are palpated to decide the appropriate BCS?
The ribs and the spinal process are palpated to evaluate BCS
What are the 2 different techniques used to obtain a blood sample from the jugular vein
high-neck jugular and the low-neck jugular
What is the location for abdominocentesis in camelids?
Ventral midline just caudal to the umbilicus
Why is catheterization of the male bladder difficult to impossible to perform?
because of a dorsal recess at the level of the ischial arch.
What should be avoided when giving oral medications in camelids?
Avoid injecting medication into the cheek pouch because it may cause ulceration after prolonged contact with the medication.
What are locations where subcutaneous injections can be given in camelids?
cranial to the shoulder and caudal to the elbow
What location should be avoided do IM injections
The neck muscles
What is important to know when trimming camelids’ hooves?
Camelids have a toenail around a soft footpad rather than a hoof.
What is the most common complication of camelid anesthesia
Nasal edema
What is the issue when Guaifenesin is used in concentrations greater than 10%?
Guaifenesin can cause hemolysis in ruminants when used in concentrations greater than 10%
What is important to know regarding extubation of camelids
extubated with the ET tube cuff inflated to help drag saliva and regurgitation out of the trachea
Why is it recommended to wait until 2 years of age before castrating camelids?
allows the musculoskeletal system to mature. Otherwise the camelid is prone to lateral patellar luxation and degenerative osteoarthritis in the stifle joints
What 2 methods are commonly used to castrate camelids?
Scrotal castration and prescrotal castration
What are the two surgical approaches (locations) to perform cesarean sections in camelids?
ventral midline laparotomy or through the paralumbar fossa
What is found in a White tail deer, causes severe inflammation of the nervous system and death in 30-60 days after infection?
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis
What causes anemia, pale mucous membranes, bottle jaw and death?
Haemonchus
Ostertagia
Trichostrongylus
