Reproductive problems in South American camelids

Question 1

Breeding season of South American camelids

Answer 1

• not classes as seasonal breeders
• but do breed seasonally if the environment or climate requires it (as in their harsh natural habitat)
• in the UK they’re bred and give birth in the summer

Question 2

Gestation in camelids

Answer 2

• 11-12m
• Males should be kept separate from females during the last trimester of gestation as placental oestrogen production may lead to inappropriate mating attempts.

Question 3

What type of ovulators are camelids?

Answer 3

• induced ovulators
• so don’t have regular oestrus cycles
• repeated and overlapping follicular waves (in the absence of mating)
• overlapping follicular waves result in persistent elevated levels of oestradiol, and prolonged periods of receptivity to the male, with only short periods when the male is rejected
• mounting and intromission stimulates an increase in GnRH and LH resulting in ovulation in 24-48h

Question 4

What is ‘Cushing’ and “Spitting off’?

Answer 4

• behaviours displayed by camelids during breeding
• Females will ‘cush’ (assume sternal recumbency) if they’re receptive to the male at the time of breeding (if there’s a pre-ovulatory follicle) and will usually ‘spit off’ if they’re not receptive (no pre-ovulatory follicle / pregnant)

Question 5

Infectious causes of abortion in camelids

Answer 5

• bacterial infections are most common: Leptospira, Chlamydia, Listeria, Campylobacter
• viral causes: BVDV
• protozoal causes: Neospora

Question 6

Non-infectious causes of abortion in camelids

Answer 6

twinning, foetal abnormalities and environmental stressors

Question 7

Sampling for abortion

Answer 7

• Sampling is similar as for other species
• ideally a whole foetus with placenta should be submitted
• If this is not possible, samples of placenta (both cotyledons and inter-cotyledonary areas), foetal fluid, foetal stomach contents and foetal liver or spleen can be submitted. - Sampling should be discussed with the lab prior to submission where possible

Question 8

When would uterine torsion occur for camelids?

Answer 8

• 8-10m gestation (cf cattle where it occurs at term)

Question 9

Ddx for pregnant camelid, showing signs of colic

Answer 9

• uterine torsion
• mechanical obstruction (intussusception, entrapment, FB)
• peritonitis (ruptured ulcer, uterine tear)
• enteritis (viral/bacterial/parasitic)

Question 10

Diagnosis of uterine torsion

Answer 10

• rectal palpation or ex-lap
• Many torsions are pre-cervical, and so cannot be detected on vaginal examination
• The direction of the torsion (clockwise/anti-clockwise) can be ascertained by palpating displacement of the broad ligament towards the opposite side of the pelvis to the gravid horn.

Question 11

Risk factors for uterine torsion

Answer 11

• large foetal size
• right horn pregnancies
• excessive rolling in late gestation

Question 12

Uterine torsion tx

Answer 12

Non-surgical corrections:
- rolling the dam to untwists the uterus
- transvaginal correction (if the cervix is sufficiently dilated)

If these are unsuccessful, surgical correction can be carried out.