Radiographic contrast gastrointestinal study of the neonatal llama

This is a description of the radiographic appearance of the normal gastrointestinal tract of neonatal crias with survey and contrast radiography, including transit times for the various segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Radiographs of the abdomen of six healthy neonatal llama crias positioned in right lateral and dorsal recombency were obtained initially then at various intervals post barium administration. Portions of the gastrointestinal tract that could be identified included the stomach with first, second and third compartments, the duodenal ampulla, small intestine, proximal loop of the ascending colon, spiral colon and descending colon. Barium given by orogastric intubation rapidly entered all three compartments of the stomach and the proximal small intestine. Overall the transit time through the intestinal tract of the crias was longer than expected with no emptying of the ascending colon and beyond though studies were carried to 48-72 hours. Recommendations are made for frequency of radiographs.