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Case Report: Neurological examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in South American camelids
Marlene Sickinger1, Daniela Farke2, Meike L Schmidt3
1Clinic for Ruminants and Herd Health Management, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
Introduction:
South American camelids (SACs) and dromedaries presenting with neurological abnormalities are increasingly common in veterinary practice. Advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are typically available only in specialized veterinary clinics, and their feasibility is often limited by the animal's size. We aim to describe CT and MRI findings in a cohort of SACs and dromedaries diagnosed with neurological diseases.
Methods:
Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for SACs and dromedaries that underwent CT and MRI of the brain or spinal cord between 2010 and 2025. Fourteen alpacas, two llamas, and one dromedary met the inclusion criteria.
Results:
Intracranial diseases included trauma (n = 1) and inflammatory conditions, such as abscess formation (n = 1), and intracranial mycotic granuloma (n = 1). Otitis externa and interna with intracranial extension were observed in five cases. Spinal cord disorders included discospondylitis (n = 5), vertebral subluxation (n = 1), and trauma-associated intramedullary lesions (n = 2).
Conclusion:
CT and MRI are valuable tools for diagnosing and characterizing neurologic diseases of the central nervous system in SACs and dromedaries and should be part of the diagnostic work-up when feasible.
