Camelids

Question 1

What is choanal atresia?

Answer 1

Most common congenital defects in alpacas. It occurs when the normal opening between the nasal and pharyngeal areas is blocked but membranous tissue or bone. CS - labored breathing, prolonged and difficult expiration, open-mouth breathing, choking and gagging while nursing, cyanosis, weakness, lack of weight gain, and aerophagia. May also have other congenital abnormalities such as polydactyly, cardiac, renal or reproductive organ defects.

Euthanasia is recommended, prognosis is poor even with surgery

Question 2

What mange infects camels?

Answer 2

Sarcoptes scabiei carmeli
Most common in the winter with increased direct contact
Typically starts around head and neck, causing hair loss and intense pruritus and then spreads to the rest of the body

Question 3

Which intestinal parasite are camelids highly susceptible to?

Answer 3

Whipworms - they are the most common cause of diarrhea in adult camels
TX - panacur for whipworms in camels, ivermectin is not effective

Question 4

What does the meningeal deer worm cause in camels?

Answer 4

Also known as the parelaphostrongylus tennis. Frequently infects llamas and alpacas. Definitive host is white tail deer, llamas and alpacas are aberrant hosts.

Lllamas and alpacas display neurological signs including hypermetria, ataxia, stiffness, muscle weakness, posterior paresis, paralysis, arching back, circling. CS begin with hind limbs and progress to front limbs.
Will find eosinophilia in CSF fluid suggesting parasitic infection.