Jill E. Parker

Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas: 24 cases (2000-2006).

Objective— To report complications associated with orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Alpacas (n=18) and llamas (n=6) that orthopedic surgery using internal or external fixation. Methods— Medical records (January 2000–December 2006) and radiographs were reviewed and owners contacted for follow-up information for alpacas and llamas that had orthopedic surgery involving internal or external fixation. Fourteen camelids had internal fixation, 7 had external fixation, and 3 had a combination of internal and external fixation. Results— Twenty-two animals (92%) were discharged after surgery (mean hospitalization, 15 days). Of 20 animals with ≥1 year follow-up information, 18 were alive (82%). Postoperative complications related to fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or joints occurred in 21 camelids (87%). Thirteen animals returned to their intended use, 4 animals returned to breeding but not their intended use, 4 were euthanatized, and 3 were only able to be used as pets. Conclusions— Fixation type (internal, external) did not have any significant effect on complications involving fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or chronic lameness. Camelids with open fractures were more likely to have complications associated with fracture healing, repair, and infection than closed fractures. Clinical Relevance— Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas are more common than previously reported and may result in chronic lameness or prevent return to their intended use.OBJECTIVE To report complications associated with orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS Alpacas (n=18) and llamas (n=6) that orthopedic surgery using internal or external fixation. METHODS Medical records (January 2000-December 2006) and radiographs were reviewed and owners contacted for follow-up information for alpacas and llamas that had orthopedic surgery involving internal or external fixation. Fourteen camelids had internal fixation, 7 had external fixation, and 3 had a combination of internal and external fixation. RESULTS Twenty-two animals (92%) were discharged after surgery (mean hospitalization, 15 days). Of 20 animals with >or=1 year follow-up information, 18 were alive (82%). Postoperative complications related to fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or joints occurred in 21 camelids (87%). Thirteen animals returned to their intended use, 4 animals returned to breeding but not their intended use, 4 were euthanatized, and 3 were only able to be used as pets. CONCLUSIONS Fixation type (internal, external) did not have any significant effect on complications involving fracture healing, infection, soft tissue structures, or chronic lameness. Camelids with open fractures were more likely to have complications associated with fracture healing, repair, and infection than closed fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Complications after orthopedic surgery in alpacas and llamas are more common than previously reported and may result in chronic lameness or prevent return to their intended use.

Use of Plain Radiography in the Diagnosis, Surgical Management, and Postoperative Treatment of Obstructive Urolithiasis in 25 Goats and 2 Sheep

Objective To describe use of plain radiography for diagnosis, surgical management, and postoperative treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Small ruminants (n = 27; 25 goats, 2 sheep). Methods Medical records (January 2002–November 2011) and radiographs for all small ruminants diagnosed with obstructive urolithiasis and having plain abdominal radiographs were reviewed. Signalment, surgical procedures, radiographic findings, ultrasonographic findings, position of calculi, and how plain radiography influenced surgical management and postoperative treatment were recorded. Results Radiopaque urinary calculi were detected in 23 (85%) plain radiographic studies. Location of uroliths determined by plain radiography included: cystic only (n = 5), distal to the sigmoid flexure and cystic (5), subischial (5), distal to the sigmoid flexure only (3), sigmoid flexure (3), and subischial and cystic (2). In 8 of these animals, postoperative radiographs revealed residual calculi in the urethra and were essential for their targeted removal by urethrotomy in 7 animals. Conclusions In regions where radiopaque calculi (calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, silica) are commonly encountered in small ruminants, plain radiographs are recommended to determine the appropriate surgical approach(es) and to confirm resolution of the obstruction.OBJECTIVE To describe use of plain radiography for diagnosis, surgical management, and postoperative treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Small ruminants (n = 27; 25 goats, 2 sheep). METHODS Medical records (January 2002-November 2011) and radiographs for all small ruminants diagnosed with obstructive urolithiasis and having plain abdominal radiographs were reviewed. Signalment, surgical procedures, radiographic findings, ultrasonographic findings, position of calculi, and how plain radiography influenced surgical management and postoperative treatment were recorded. RESULTS Radiopaque urinary calculi were detected in 23 (85%) plain radiographic studies. Location of uroliths determined by plain radiography included: cystic only (n = 5), distal to the sigmoid flexure and cystic (5), subischial (5), distal to the sigmoid flexure only (3), sigmoid flexure (3), and subischial and cystic (2). In 8 of these animals, postoperative radiographs revealed residual calculi in the urethra and were essential for their targeted removal by urethrotomy in 7 animals. CONCLUSIONS In regions where radiopaque calculi (calcium carbonate, calcium oxalate, silica) are commonly encountered in small ruminants, plain radiographs are recommended to determine the appropriate surgical approach(es) and to confirm resolution of the obstruction.

Keratinizing Ameloblastoma in a 9-Month-Old Llama (Lama Glama)

A 9-month-old male llama (Lama glama) was presented because of a rapidly growing mass on the right side of the face. Radiographs revealed a marked expansion of the right caudal face region with bone lysis involving the maxilla and the nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic, and palatine bones. Cytologically, the mass consisted of atypical round to polygonal cells with round nuclei and basophilic cytoplasms that formed acini and rows. Histologically, the mass consisted of anastomosing cords and sheets of neoplastic odontogenic epithelial cells embedded in a loose fibrovascular connective tissue. Single layers of peripheral, polarized, palisading, columnar epithelial cells were seen at the edges of some cords. Within the centers of the cords, epithelial cells showed rapid progression to keratin production. The histologic diagnosis was keratinizing ameloblastoma. Ameloblastomas are neoplasms of odontogenic epithelium that tend to be locally aggressive and can cause substantial destruction of bony structures. Because ameloblastomas do not tend to metastasize, they can be successfully treated by complete surgical excision, performed before extensive bony destruction occurs. Ameloblastoma, although expected to be rare, should be on the list of differential diagnoses for facial swelling in llamas.

Clostridium Chauvoei Myositis Infection in a Neonatal Calf

A 3-day-old 63-kg Simmental bull calf was presented to lected would have markedly decreased the chance of recovery the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with of the organism by culture. the client complaint of inability to rise. The dam was a firstcalf heifer, and the birth was complicated by dystocia. The manager reported that excess forefeet traction was required during delivery. After birth, the calf was fed 1 1/2 quarts of Surgical exposure of the affected formed. This allowed for drainage of muscle mass was perclostridial toxins as well as exposure of the area to air. Penicillin (40,000 IU/kg) was given intravenously. Two liters of plasma were administered as failure of passive transfer was suspected due to the history colostrum and then an unknown amount of powdered milk. When held in a standing position he could not bear weight and low total plasma protein. Antiserum was not available. on his rear legs. The farm has had a history of clostridial Despite these efforts, the calf died 6 hours after admission. myositis (blackleg), and a vaccination program against ClosA complete necropsy was performed. Gross examination revealed that the right hind leg was markedly swollen and tridium chauvoei was practiced.

Morphine Synovial Fluid Concentrations After Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion in Standing Horses

OBJECTIVE To determine synovial concentrations of morphine after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with morphine or morphine in combination with gentamicin in clinically healthy, standing sedated horses. STUDY DESIGN Experimental. ANIMALS Adult horses (n = 6). METHODS IVRLP was performed using 0.1 mg/kg morphine (M) in standing sedated horses. After a 3-week washout period, IVRLP was performed on the same forelimb with a combination of 0.1 mg/kg morphine and 1 g gentamicin (M/G). Synovial fluid from the middle carpal joint of the perfused limb and jugular blood samples were collected immediately before each perfusion and 20 minutes, and 2, 8, and 24 hours after IVRLP. Morphine and gentamicin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Data were assessed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with significance set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS Synovial fluid morphine concentrations were greatest 20 minutes after perfusion. Mean ± SD peak synovial morphine concentrations over 12 perfusions were 3903 ± 4881 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in morphine synovial concentrations after M or M/G. Plasma morphine concentrations peaked within 2 hours of perfusion (range, 11-63 ng/mL). Mean peak gentamicin concentrations in synovial fluid were 76,315 ± 39,809 ng/mL. IVRLP morphine did not cause clinically apparent adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS IVRLP in standing sedated horses results in measurable levels of morphine in synovial fluid and synovial concentrations of gentamicin after perfusion in combination with morphine are equivalent to those previously reported.

Morphine Synovial Fluid Concentrations After Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion in Standing Horses: Morphine Synovial Fluid Concentrations After Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion

OBJECTIVE To determine synovial concentrations of morphine after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) with morphine or morphine in combination with gentamicin in clinically healthy, standing sedated horses. STUDY DESIGN Experimental. ANIMALS Adult horses (n = 6). METHODS IVRLP was performed using 0.1 mg/kg morphine (M) in standing sedated horses. After a 3-week washout period, IVRLP was performed on the same forelimb with a combination of 0.1 mg/kg morphine and 1 g gentamicin (M/G). Synovial fluid from the middle carpal joint of the perfused limb and jugular blood samples were collected immediately before each perfusion and 20 minutes, and 2, 8, and 24 hours after IVRLP. Morphine and gentamicin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Data were assessed using 2-way repeated measures ANOVA with significance set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS Synovial fluid morphine concentrations were greatest 20 minutes after perfusion. Mean ± SD peak synovial morphine concentrations over 12 perfusions were 3903 ± 4881 ng/mL. There was no significant difference in morphine synovial concentrations after M or M/G. Plasma morphine concentrations peaked within 2 hours of perfusion (range, 11-63 ng/mL). Mean peak gentamicin concentrations in synovial fluid were 76,315 ± 39,809 ng/mL. IVRLP morphine did not cause clinically apparent adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS IVRLP in standing sedated horses results in measurable levels of morphine in synovial fluid and synovial concentrations of gentamicin after perfusion in combination with morphine are equivalent to those previously reported.