Llama medicine. Obstetrics, neonatal care, and congenital conditions

Obstetrical care of the llama is very similar to other food animal and equine obstetrics. Understanding the few unique llama characteristics such as birthing from a standing position, no licking of the neonate by the mother, and the epidermal membrane covering the newborn, help give confidence when treating llamas. Dystocia is rare in the llama but when veterinary assistance is required, understanding the shape of the female pelvis aids in manipulations. Llama neonatal care is minimal for the healthy cria, but intensive care of a compromised cria is extremely demanding, and not always rewarding. The suggestions presented in this article are the result of 4 years' experience in providing care to many ill neonatal llamas. Several methods have been adapted from equine neonatal medicine used at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California. Basic physiological information concerning llama neonates, healthy and ill, is still being investigated. It is judicious to identify and discuss congenital problems in neonates prior to intensive support.