Diseases in camelids 1. Common presentations

Whitehead, Claire

doi:10.1136/inp.f3641

Cited by 11 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Dental disease is commonly reported as a troublesome health concern in New World Camelids 1‐4 . The hypsodont dentition in alpacas ( Vicugna pacos ) shows most similarities with the dentition seen in ruminants, but also bears strong resemblance to equid dentition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships

Proost

Pardon

Pollaris

et al. 2020

Veterinary Internal Medicne

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Background Dental disease is a troublesome health concern in alpacas. Specifically, the occurrence of tooth root abscesses has been described in veterinary literature. Nevertheless, no objective prevalence data are available for dental disorders in alpacas. Hypothesis/objectives To determine the prevalence of dental disorders in alpaca herds in Belgium and the Netherlands. To study the associations between the different dental disorders encountered in alpacas. Animals A total of 228 alpacas (Vicugna pacos) originating from 25 farms. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study. Dental disorders were diagnosed by dental examination of sedated animals using a dental mirror or a portable rigid oroscope. Results At the animal level, 82% (n = 187) had dental disorders of which 74.6, 41.7, and 3.9% were cheek teeth, incisor disorders, and canine disorders, respectively. At the level of the cheek teeth, diastemata (43.1%) were most common, followed by wear abnormalities (WA; 39.6%) and periodontal disease (PD; 33.3%). A significant association was detected between the presence of diastemata and PD (odds ratio [OR], 13.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6‐27.7; P < .001). Pulp exposure was significantly associated with the presence of diastemata (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 3.8‐51.5; P < .001), PD (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 3.1‐25.3; P < .001) and WA (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2‐7.4; P = .002). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Dental disorders are highly prevalent in alpacas in Belgium and the Netherlands. Several dental disorders in alpacas had significant associations. To prevent the development of advanced stages of dental disease, routine dental examinations are advised to allow early detection and prompt treatment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships

Proost

Pardon

Pollaris

et al. 2020

Veterinary Internal Medicne

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“…Its size correlates with its highly important functions. In addition to functioning as a second fermentation chamber, the ascending colon needs to efficiently reabsorb water in the spiral colon as an adaptation to the sparse water resources of the semi‐arid habitat of alpacas (Whitehead, ; Cebra, ). The longer the spiral colon the more surface and time for water and electrolyte absorption exists (Hofmann, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The physiological anatomy and topography of the intestines of the alpaca have a number of weak points which are predispositions to different kinds of gastrointestinal diseases and potential causes of colics in camelids (Whitehead, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, water resources are very scarce in the semiarid climate, which is why South American camelids (SACs) need to handle very economically with their water balance. For example, camelids are extremely good at reabsorbing water from their spiral colon (Whitehead, ). Over 25% of the water entering the colon is absorbed before defecation (compared to 10% in cattle) and pelleted feces already begin to form in the spiral colon (Cebra, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Adaptive Anatomical Specialization of the Intestines of Alpacas Taking into Account their Original Habitat and Feeding Behaviour

Vater

Maierl

2018

The Anatomical Record

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The gastrointestinal tract of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is most efficiently adapted to its habitat at high altitudes. Alpacas, just like ruminants, feed on hardly digestible forage. However, it has been demonstrated that the anatomy of the camelid digestive tract has developed independently of ruminants and not in homology to them. Despite a long history of domestication and an increasing number of animals worldwide, little research has been done on the intestinal anatomy of alpacas. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical features of the alpaca's intestines and to explain anatomical peculiarities in the context of evolutionary function and morphology. Another goal of this study was the demonstration of weaknesses of the intestinal anatomy predisposing alpacas to certain clinical presentations. Six animals were used for dissection. The basic structure of the intestines was comparable to that in ruminants. However, a number of characteristic peculiarities were found in alpacas, like the duodenal ampulla and the proximal and distal loop of the ascending colon. The jejunum and ileum, unlike those of ruminants, had their own mesentery largely separated from the ascending mesocolon. The main blood supply was provided by the cranial and caudal mesenteric artery. The particular lymph nodes were located along the branches of these two arteries. The spiral colon seemed to play a major role in intestinal digestion and water resorption. The size of the distal fermentation chamber allows the presumption that alpacas belong to the group of animals practicing a fractionated fermentation in the proximal and distal fermentation chambers. Anat Rec, 301:1840–1851, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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“…There are currently just over 30,000 registered in the UK (Whitehead, 2013), with estimates of close to 195,000 in North America and N90,000 in Australia (Anon, 2014;Jabbar, Campbell, Charles, & Gasser, 2013). They are kept predominantly for fibre production and as pets on smallholdings and hobby farms, with small numbers being slaughtered for human consumption.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Pathophysiology of penetrating captive bolt stunning in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Gibson

Whitehead²,

Taylor

et al. 2015

Meat Science

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The aim of this study was to examine the behavioural and cranial/spinal responses of alpacas culled by captive bolt shooting and the resulting pathophysiology of captive bolt injury. Ninety-six alpacas were shot (103 shots) in a range of locations with a penetrating captive bolt gun (CBG). Ten (9.8%) alpacas were incompletely concussed following the first shot. No animals required more than two shots. Incorrectly placed shots accounted for all of the animals that displayed signs of sensibility. Damage to the thalamus, hypothalamus, midbrain, medulla, cerebellum, parietal and occipital lobes were significantly associated with decreasing odds of incomplete concussion. In conclusion, the study confirmed that CBG stunning can induce insensibility in alpacas and suggests that the top of the head (crown) position maximises damage to structures of the thalamus and brainstem.

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Diseases in camelids 1. Common presentations

Cited by 11 publications

References 4 publications

Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships

Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships

Adaptive Anatomical Specialization of the Intestines of Alpacas Taking into Account their Original Habitat and Feeding Behaviour

Pathophysiology of penetrating captive bolt stunning in Alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

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