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Published on: January 26, 2019
Spiral colon impaction in juvenile alpacas: 12 cases (2006-2010)
James C A Hart1, Alexandra J Burton, Toby L Pinn
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Summary
Juvenile alpaca spiral colon impaction (SCI) often presents with lethargy and diarrhea. Transmural infusion of saline offers a less invasive surgical option than enterotomy for treating SCI in crias.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Spiral colon impaction (SCI) is a serious condition in juvenile camelids.
- Understanding clinical signs and treatment outcomes is crucial for improving prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document clinical signs of SCI in juvenile alpacas.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for juvenile alpacas with SCI.
- To compare peritoneal fluid parameters in affected and unaffected crias.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 12 juvenile alpacas with confirmed SCI.
- Medical records were reviewed for history, clinical signs, diagnostics, and treatments.
- Peritoneal fluid analysis was compared between SCI cases and controls.
Main Results:
- Common signs included lethargy, diarrhea, and abdominal distention.
- SCI crias showed higher peritoneal fluid nucleated cell counts and ratios.
- Survival rates were poor for medically managed cases; 3/9 surgically treated crias survived >6 months.
Conclusions:
- Medical management alone for SCI in crias has a poor prognosis.
- Transmural saline infusion is a less invasive surgical alternative to enterotomy for SCI.
