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