Camelids Flashcards
What species are camelids?
Llamas, camels, vicuna, guanaco, alpaca
How can you differentiate a llama from an alpaca?
Llamas have banana shaped ears, rougher fur, and are much bigger
Alpacas have small ears and are smaller with finer fur
How many cervical vertebra do camelids have?
Same as others- 7
What neck injuries are common in male camelids?
Cervical fractures, luxations, and subluxations (due to fighting)
How do camelid faces differ from other ruminants?
They have tactile lips, bulgey eyes, and their nasal bone ends high on their face
How do fighting teeth differ in intact males vs. females/geldings?
Better developed in intact males, develop earlier (compared to 4-6y in females/geldings)
What is the dental formula for camelids?
I (1/3), C (1/1), PM (1-2/1-2), M (3/3)
How many compartments do camelid stomachs have?
3
Describe the camelid stomach compartments
C1- fermentation vat, similar to rumen, 3-4 contractions/min
C2- tiny sac with mixed function, similar to reticulum and omasum, moves feedstuff towards C3
C3- long tubular structure similar to abomasum, enzymatic digestion, prone to ulcers
What direction do camelids urinate in?
Backwards (pee goes behind them)
What are camelid feet called?
Slippers
What shape are camelid erythrocytes and why?
Elliptical shaped; due to their oxygen carrying ability because of their high elevation
What needs to be considered when looking at camelid bloodwork?
Some analyzers won’t interpret results for them and the reference ranges are set at sea level
What is the most common leukocyte in camelids?
Neutrophils
What are the normal TPR parameters for camelids?
T- 99.5-102 F
P- 40-70bpm
R- 20-40bpm
C1 contractions- 3-5/min
Ears back and tails up indicates what in a camelid?
Aggression
What vaccines are used in camelids?
CD/T vaccine
Rabies if around humans
7 way tetanus
Other less common- equine herpesvirus 1, lepto, BVDV, WNV, EEE
Where should you perform an IV injection on the neck of a camelid?
Close to the ramus of the mandible as to avoid the artery
Where should you perform a subcutaneous injection in a camelid?
Axillary region- area with no fiber
Where should you perform an IM injection in a camelid?
The “golden triangle” in the neck or in the triceps
What are the routine procedures done in camelids?
Feet trimming, castration, fighting teeth removal, microchip
Describe the basic nutrition for camelids
Eat ~2% body weight in dry matter daily, lots of roughage, need higher energy and protein during gestation and lactation
When do ovaries develop in female camelids?
10-12 months old
What kind of ovulators are camelids?
Induced, need male to mate
When do male camelids start to produce sperm?
14 months old
Why do male camelids have difficulty/inability to mate until they are 30 months old?
They haven’t reached full sexual maturity and the preputial adhesions haven’t finished breaking down yet
How is pregnancy diagnosed in camelids?
Test with male (unreceptive), blood test for progesterone, ultrasound (detection around 2 months)
Which horn of the uterus do most camelid pregnancies occur in?
Left horn
Describe the 3 stages of criation
Stage 1- 1-6 hours
Stage 2- rapid (30min), usually in early morning, delivery
Stage 3- pass placenta, lasts 2-4 hours
When can camelids be bred again after criation?
14-21 days
What ear problems occur in camelids?
Otitis- externa to interna
Spinose ear tick
How are otitis and ear ticks treated in camelids?
Ivermectin in ear for tick, antibiotics, ear cleaning, and possibly surgical debridement
How is otitis diagnosed in camelids?
Radiographs, CT
Are older or younger camelids more prone to megaesophagus?
Older
What are the clinical signs of megaesophagus?
Hypersalivation, regurgitation, recurrent bloat or choke, weight loss
How is megaesophagus diagnosed?
Radiographs
How is megaesophagus treated?
Antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia, elevated feeding with small volumes
What are the clinical signs of C3 ulcers in camelids?
Inappetence, colic, depression, legs out to the side
How do you diagnose C3 ulcers in camelids?
Response to treatment may be diagnostic, scope can’t reach C3
How are C3 ulcers treated in camelids?
Parenteral pantoprazole, reduce stress
What are the clinical signs of heat stress in camelids?
Tachycardia, tachypnea, redness/skin swelling, dehydration, CNS effects, reproductive effects, DIC
How is heat stress treated in camelids?
Shear their fiber, soak in alcohol, provide water bath, supportive care (IVF, O2)
What is the primary host of the meningeal worm?
White tailed deer
What is the name of the meningeal worm?
Parelaphostrongylus tenuis
What are the clinical signs of meningeal worm in camelids?
Multifocal and asymmetrical neurological deficits- gait abnormalities, recumbency, cranial nerve deficits
How is meningeal worm infection diagnosed in camelids?
CSF tap with eosinophil (no eosinophil does not mean no worm)
How are meningeal worms treated/prevented?
Ivermectin or fenbendazole, NSAIDs for comfort if already infected
What species of mycoplasma affects camelids?
Mycoplasma haemolamae
How is mycoplasma transmitted in camelids?
Insect vectors, contaminated needles, transplacental spread
What are the clinical signs of mycoplasma in camelids?
Usually asymptomatic, stressed or immunosuppressed animals may have anemia, lethargy, depression, and fever
How is mycoplasma diagnosed in camelids?
Blood smear (must be read immediately), PCR
How is mycoplasma treated in ruminants?
Treat with long acting tetracycline
Describe the pathogenesis of hypernatremic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
Hyperglycemia occurs -> glucosuria -> osmotic diuresis -> hypernatremia due to water loss -> decreased water volume -> hyperosmolar -> neuro signs
What are the clinical signs of hypernatremic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome
Lethargy, anorexia, hyperthermia, tremors, seizures, ataxia, wide based stance
How is hypernatremic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome treated?
Treat underlying condition (sepsis, meningeal worm), rehydrate, provide insulin
What is a common defect found in crias?
Choanal atresia- failure of choanae to open, present in respiratory distress with open mouth breathing, recommend euthanasia
