Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in an alpaca

An adult alpaca was presented because of abdominal pain and was diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction. The putative diagnosis at surgery was an intestinal obstruction caused by peritonitis and intra-abdominal adhesions. The cause of the inflammation was not determined at that time. The alpaca died soon after surgery from post-surgical complications and a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia that was not diagnosed until necropsy.

Third-compartment cannulation in alpacas using a polyurethane gastrostomy tube

OBJECTIVE

To develop a simple and effective surgical technique for third-compartment cannulation in alpacas.

DESIGN

Prospective study using six adult male alpacas.

METHODS

General anaesthesia was induced and a polyurethane gastrostomy tube was surgically implanted into the distal portion of the third compartment.

RESULTS

Three of the alpacas retained their cannulas for a 100-day period; however, three cannulas were dislodged during the study. Two of the three dislodged cannulas were replaced during a second surgical procedure. Cannulas were well tolerated by the alpacas and all animals remained clinically healthy during the study period. Third compartment contents did not leak from the cannulation site. The tubes were manually removed following the completion of the study and the small defect in the body wall quickly healed over in all animals.

CONCLUSION

Surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a useful method of cannulating the third compartment in camelids. This technique can be used for experimental studies and possibly could be used for nutritional support and fluid therapy in sick camelids that might need long-term care.

Gastrointestinal surgery in alpacas and llamas

The clinical signs associated with acute abdominal pain in South American camelids tend to be subtle and less frequent (similar to ruminants) as compared with that of horses. Abdominocentesis and transabdominal ultrasound are useful tools in determining the necessity of an exploratory laparotomy. Preoperative anticipation of the lesion location helps determine the surgical approach to the abdomen. Perioperative management is vital to improve chances for survival. Timely surgical intervention for correctable gastrointestinal lesions is expected to minimize postoperative complications and improve outcomes.

In Vitro Bursting Pressures of Jejunal Enterotomy Closures in Llamas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate closure strength (in vitro bursting pressure) of jejunal enterotomies in llamas.

STUDY DESIGN

In vitro experimental study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Jejunal specimens (n=72) from 6 llamas.

METHODS

Differences in bursting pressures and luminal diameters were compared between 2 layer enterotomy closures with an initial full thickness simple continuous pattern oversewn with either a continuous Lembert or Cushing suture pattern using 3 sizes (2-0, 3-0, 4-0) of polyglactin 910 and polydioxanone.

RESULTS

Bursting pressures were significantly higher for enterotomies closed with polydioxanone than polyglactin 910, independent of suture size, but there was no difference between Lembert and Cushing oversew patterns. Use of a Lembert pattern reduced intestinal diameter more than a Cushing pattern regardless of suture material or size.

CONCLUSIONS

Although polydioxanone resisted higher bursting pressures than polyglactin 910, both suture materials should be considered satisfactory for jejunal enterotomy closure in llamas based on typical intraluminal pressures expected in clinical patients. The optimal oversew pattern may be continuous Cushing to maximize the luminal diameter in small intestinal enterotomy closures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In vitro bursting pressures may help to predict which enterotomy sites would leak post-operatively, although further studies are necessary to determine the outcome in clinical patients.