Camelids

Question 1

Approximate Size of Alpacas

Answer 1

M 60-100kg, F 50-80kg

Question 2

Approximate Size of Llamas

Answer 2

Adult llamas: M 140-175, F 100-150

Question 3

IVC Placement in Camelids

Answer 3

4-5 valves in neck to prevent backflow when grazing, IVC passage more challenging, no appreciable distention in adults (M>F)
o Thick fiber coats, thick neck skin, no jugular groove

Alternative location: auricular vein

Question 4

Anatomy Around Jug V

Answer 4

o Jug v: deep to sternomandibularis/brachiocephalicus, ventral to cervical transverse process, superficial to carotid a/VST
 Rostral portion: separated from carotid via omohyoideus m ~15cm
 Caudal ventral site of R external jug v very close proximity to carotid artery
o Bifurcation: ventral aspect body of mandible, base of ear, lateral aspect of cervical TP = **catheterization at or distal to this point **

Question 5

CV Changes - Camelids

Answer 5

o Elliptical shaped RBC
o Venous blood appears bright red
o Left shifted oxygen-dissociation curve, all 6 species DT high altitude
 Greater oxygen conductance across RBC
 Enhanced O2 transfer to lungs, tissues
 P50 17-22 mm Hg

Question 6

Resp Changes - Camelids

Answer 6

o Obligate nasal breathes

Question 7

Ophthalmic Features - Camelids

Answer 7

additional padding under dependent eye plus lubrication

Question 8

Concerns related to GIT and Asp Pneumonia in Camelids

Answer 8

o Regurgitation, aspiration: Magnitude of damage depends on amount of bacterial microflora, solid food material aspirated – NOT related to pH
o Normal ruminant things EXCEPT tympany

Question 9

Camelid Fasting Guidelines

Answer 9

o Fasting guidelines: 12-18h food, 8-12hr water DT risk of regurgitation, asp pneumonia

Question 10

Chow et al 2020 (VAA)

Answer 10

intravaginal detomidine gel at 200mcg/kg provided moderate sedation when compared to detomidine IV at 70mcg/kg.
* Gel: max plasma concentrations 40ng/mL, time to max concentration 20min, bioavailability 20%

Question 11

Sedation Sensitivity of Llamas, Alpacas

Answer 11

 Alpacas: 10% greater doses of sedatives vs llamas, in general require higher doses than cattle

 Xylazine sensitivity: Cattle > llamas > alpacas > horses

Question 12

Induction Agents in Camelids - Notes

Answer 12

Telazol: Generally depth of ax adequate to intubate nasally, but muscle relaxation poor, oral intubation difficult

Alfaxalone: rough recoveries without sedation

Question 13

Camelid Intubation

Answer 13

Prone to increased vagal discharge during intubation, sx pain – consider anticholinergics

Long soft palate, will regurgitate – ensure heavily induced before try to intubate
 Active regurgitation reflex eliminated at adequate anesthetic depth

Can be difficult due to narrow intermandibular space, narrow jaw opening, caudal laryngeal opening

Question 14

MOA Intubation in Camelids

Answer 14

o Direct laryngoscopy with stylet in sternal, long blade – similar to SR, 250-250mm laryngoscope

Question 15

Nasal Intubation in Camelids

Answer 15

 Prone to epistaxis
 Technically easier than blind oral intubation
 Benefits: allows for recovery with ET in place to prevent airway obstruction

After advanced through ventral meatus, Extend head, neck once tube in nasopharynx, manipulate tube into larynx
 Can use a stylet for assistance

Question 16

Where encounter obstructions while feeding nasotrach tube in camelids?

Answer 16

• Obstruction at 10cm = placement of tube in middle meatus
• Obstruction at 25cm = Nasopharyngeal diverticulum

Question 17

Maintenance of GA in Camelids

Answer 17

Tend to ventilate well on own under GA
o Be cognizant of neck: padding, proper positioning – similar considerations to ruminants

Question 18

Vital Parameters in Camelids

Answer 18

Normal HR in anesthetized adults 80-100bpm, juveniles 100-125bpm

Normal RR in anesthetized adults 15-30bpm, juveniles 20-35bpm

BP: SAP 90-120, DAP 60-80, MAP 75-100
* MAP can approach 150mmHg with painful stimuli

Question 19

GIT Features of Camelids

Answer 19

o 3 compartment stomach: C3 compartment = true stomach (site of NSAID ulceration)
o C1 pH 6.7-7.0

Question 20

Monitoring of Depth in Camelids

Answer 20

Globe rotation does not occur in response to changes of depth

Maintenance of palpebral reflex of dorsal eyelid during surgical anesthesia

Nystagmus not correlated with changes in depth

Movement of ventral eyelid without tactile stimulation suggests decrease of anesthetic depth

May display involuntary swallowing motions without exhibiting other signs of insufficient depth – light but appropriate

Question 21

Recovery from Ax in Camelids

Answer 21

Avoid tolazoline in llamas! (a2, a1 antagonist action)

Must confirm gas exchange, air flow after extubation

Do not remove tube until swallowing, coughing, actively trying to expel tube

Displacement of soft palate can become situated dorsally to epiglottis, hinder air flow to larynx –> airway obstruction, CPA
–If regained swallowing reflex, stimulate to swallow

Minimal to no emergence delirium

Question 22

Effect of prolonged dorsal recumbency in camelids

Answer 22

severe nasal edema
 Elevate head in sternal recumbency, nasal spray containing phenylephrine, O2 insufflation

Question 23

Effect of prolonged dorsal recumbency in camelids

Answer 23

severe nasal edema
 Elevate head in sternal recumbency, nasal spray containing phenylephrine, O2 insufflation