Lecture 28 4/7/25 Flashcards
What is unique about camelid anatomy?
-have a real nail
-bear weight on both P2 and P3
-nails must be trimmed flat with pad; they do not wear them well
What are the characteristics of foot abscesses in new world camelids?
-can be acute or chronic
-present with severe swelling and purulent discharge
-treatment includes drainage of purulent discharge, antibiotics, and amputation if severe
Why is it important that camelids are NOT considered food animals?
there are more antibiotics available for treatment
What can cause osteodystrophy?
-Ca:PO4 imbalance
-copper deficiency
-hypovitaminosis D
What are the clinical signs of osteodystrophy?
-stilted gait
-hunched appearance
-lameness and weight shifting
-swollen joints
-angular limb deformity
How can nutritional lameness be prevented in camelids?
-access to sunlight
-administration of vitamin D
What are the possible developmental lameness causes?
-abnormal angulation of limb/flexural limb deformity
-bone/tendon involvement
-congenital/acquired disease
How can a developmental lameness be distinguished based on bone vs tendon involvement?
-apply pressure to the limb abnormality
-if it strengthens with pressure it is likely tendon-related
-if it does not strengthen with pressure it is likely bone-related
How are developmental lamenesses evaluated?
-physical exam
-palpation
-radiographs
What are the options for correction of angular limb deformity?
-stall rest
-growth acceleration
-growth retardation
-osteotomies
*dependent on severity
What does a dropped fetlock indicate?
issues with the suspensory ligament
What are the characteristics of flexural deformity of the suspensory ligament?
-more common in llamas than alpacas
-more common in castrated males than intact males
-not caused by degeneration or inflammation of the suspensory ligament
-may have high zinc and vitamin D levels
-only treatment is pain management
Which conditions can occur with trauma?
-fractures
-CCL rupture
-luxations of the coxofemoral and shoulder joints
Where do the majority of fractures occur in camelids?
metacarpal/metatarsal
What are the clinical signs of fracture in camelids?
-standing still
-quivering
-non-weight bearing lameness
-shock
-dangling leg
-swelling
-crepitation
What are the steps to assessing a fracture in camelids?
-assess vitals and status of transfer of passive immunity
-provide pain management and sedation
-complete rads with at least two perpendicular views
Why is it important to temporarily immobilize fractures in camelids prior to full treatment?
-prevent axial loading
-protect soft tissue
-avoid fulcrum effect
How can temporary immobilization be achieved?
-modified velpeau sling for forelimb
-modified ehmer sling for hindlimb
What are the components of external coaptation for camelids?
-fiberglass cast that immobilizes the 2 adjacent joints
-firm bandages
-splints
Which implants are used for ORIF in camelids?
-IM pins and cerclage
-nails/interlocking nails
-plates
What must be considered when choosing a repair technique for fractures in camelids?
-which bone
-fracture location within bone
-configuration
-skin integrity
-soft tissue impairment
What are the pros and cons of ORIF?
pros:
-superior anatomical reduction, healing, and function
cons:
-more experience needed
-longer surgery times
What are the pros and cons of closed reduction with external coaptation?
pros:
-less experience need
-shorter time for treatment
cons:
-inferior anatomical reduction
-more likely for malunion or delayed union
What are the pros and cons of external skeletal fixation?
pros:
-staged destabilization/weight bearing
cons:
-wound management
What is the prognosis for fractures in camelids?
-overall good
-excellent prognosis for closed fractures
-must race against infection for open fractures
What are the clinical signs of CCL rupture in camelids?
-hind limb lameness
-joint effusion
-drawer movement
What are the treatment options for CCL rupture?
-conservative/stall rest
-surgical repair
What are the treatment options for shoulder luxation?
-velpeau sling and stall rest (conservative)
-surgical stabilization
-surgical arthrodesis
What are the characteristics of coxofemoral luxation in camelids?
-traumatic etiology
-causes non-weight bearing lameness and crepitation upon palpation
-diagnosed via rads
What are the treatment options for coxofemoral joint luxation?
-closed reduction and ehmer sling
-toggle pin
-dorsal reinforcement
-ehmer sling and NSAIDs post op
Which major pathogens cause septic arthritis in piglets 0 to 2 months old?
-Strep. suis
-Strep. equismilis
Which major pathogens cause septic arthritis in piglets 1.5 to 3 months old?
-Mycoplasma hyorhinis
-Haemophilus parasuis
Which major pathogens cause chronic suppurative septic arthritis?
-Strep. suis
-Strep. equismilis
-Mycoplasma hyorhinis
-Mycoplasma hyosynoviae
-Haemophilus parasuis
-Corynebacterium
-Staph.
What are the characteristics of diamond skin dz?
-caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
-acute onset with fever, lethargy, and joint swelling
-usually pigs 3 months old or older
What are the non-infectious causes of lameness in pigs?
-fracture
-rickets and osteomalacia
-lactational osteoporosis
What are the characteristics of rickets in pigs?
-enlarged growth plates
-evidence of bone callus from previous incomplete fracture(s)
-onset, progression, and prevalence depend on severity of deficiency
-acute-on-chronic
What are the characteristics of osteochondrosis in pigs?
-typically 6 to 20 weeks of age
-articular lesions generally bilateral and symmetrical
-somewhat common; can be subclinical
-risk factors include high growth rate, body conformation, genetics, and dietary stress
What are the most common sites of OCD in commercial pigs?
-medial condyle of humerus
-femoral condyles
-distal ulna
-thoracolumbar vertebrae
-glenoid cavity of scapula
What are the contributing factors to foot lesions in pigs?
-skeletal conformation
-housing
-floor surface
-nutrition
-population density
-co-mingling and infectious agents
-loose housing with fully slatted stalls > individual stalls
Which foot lesions are seen in pigs?
-sole bruising
-wall cracks
-white line dz
How can pigs be restrained for foot care?
-flipped onto back
-hog chute or panepinto sling
-deep sedation or general anesthesia
Why is foot care important in pigs?
-limited wear of the hooves can lead to severe elongation of the toes
-trimming reduces the toe and restores abaxial wall weight bearing surface
What are some of the conditions that are seen in companion pigs?
-fractures
-luxations
-osteoarthritis/degenerative joint dz (shoulder and elbow)
-deep pedal infections
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis/DJD in pigs?
-intra-articular injections
-NSAIDs; esp. meloxicam
-gabapentin
-arthrodesis
-amputation if severe
What are the signs of deep pedal infections in companion pigs?
-significant lameness
-unilateral swelling of infected digit
