Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-up For In Vivo Oocyte Retrieval In Alpacas
Published on: June 12, 2026
The diagnosis and treatment of a thoracic abscess in an alpaca
J Adolf1, N Dykes, S Semevolos
1The Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Department of Clinical Sciences and Radiology, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Abstract:
A 6-month-old alpaca presented for lethargy, failure to thrive and leucocytosis. Diagnostic procedures, including thoracic ultrasound, radiographs and a computed tomography scan, were used to document a thoracic mass. Based on appearance and ultrasound-guided aspiration of purulent material, the mass was determined to be a large abscess. The abscess was treated with surgical drainage and long-term antibiotic therapy. The origin of this thoracic abscess was felt to be the caudal mediastinum, secondary to bacterial seeding of the caudal mediastinal lymph nodes. Although an aetiological agent was not definitively determined, the most likely was Actinomyces spp or Arcanobacterium pyogenes. The alpaca made a complete recovery following treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Inhalation Anthrax
