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
