Management of bilateral flexural deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joints in three alpaca crias

Suspensory ligament or interosseous muscle? Histology of the interosseous muscle of South American Camelids

The interosseous muscles (IOM) have evolved to largely collagenized structures in many large grazers, including South American Camelids (SACs). SACs include lama (Lama glama), alpaca (Vicugna pacos), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). This study reports on a comparative histomorphological evaluation of the IOM in these four species. First, a descriptive qualitative analysis of the tissue composition within the physiological IOM clearly demonstrates that the IOM of all SAC species is predominantly tendinous. However, we can always find a small amount of striated muscle fibres supporting the claim that the term "interosseous muscle" should be preferred over the denomination "suspensory ligament". Second, we quantify the ratio of muscle tissue (MTr) occupying the cross-sectional area (CSA) of 80 limbs at three levels and examine it in relation to limb, sample localization and species. Values for MTr are highest at the middle level, ranging from 0.4% to 15.2% with a mean of 3.4% ± 3.2%. We also detect notable amounts of muscle tissue at the distal sample level in the area of the branches of the IOM. Of all SACs, alpacas present the highest MTr. Lamas have a significantly larger MTr than guanacos. These results suggest the influence of domestication and/or physical activity on the muscle tissue content of the IOM of SACs. Amounts and distribution of muscle, adipose and lose connective tissue vary greatly for each sample localization and within individuals of one species. This may complicate the interpretation of MRI images of SACs' IOM for diagnostic purposes.

Comparative anatomic and morphometric examination of the interosseous muscle, sesamoid ligaments and flexor tendons of the fetlock in South American camelids

This study presents a comparative morphological and morphometrical examination of the interosseous muscle (IOM), digital flexor tendons and associated structures of all four species of South American Camelids (SACs): Lama (Lama glama), alpaca (Vicugna pacos), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and vicuna (Vicugna vicugna). Our findings show that the lamoid interosseous muscle and digital flexor tendons are very similar between species and differences, which have been reported previously, are possibly due to diverging examiner interpretation. Lumbricalis muscles were mostly found as single muscles in this study. The definition of the terminal and dorsal branches of the interosseous muscle is critically revised. The analysis of morphometric data indicates that the size of the individual has a substantial influence on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the examined structures. Metacarpal/metatarsal bone width is a main predictor of CSA, while the factor species only shows significance in specific sample points. For lama and alpaca, no differences in CSA in relation to species as factor were found. The IOM shows the largest CSAs of the three examined structures in all species, which implies an important load-bearing function. Considerable individual variation remains unexplained by the mentioned factors. This lowers the prospect of CSA reaching diagnostic importance in SAC fetlock pathology.

Reproductive emergencies in camelids

Emergencies in theriogenology practice go beyond just saving the life of the patient, but also preserving its reproductive abilities. Camelid emergency medicine is a relatively new field. This paper discusses the most common reproductive emergencies, their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in male and female camelids. The conclusions drawn are based primarily on clinical observations by the authors over the last 25 years. Special consideration is given to peculiarities of the species, particularly in the choice of obstetrical manipulations and therapies.

Surgical correction of metacarpophalangeal valgus deformity in an alpaca

A 1-month-old alpaca cria presented with a 13 degree valgus deformity of the left metacarpophalangeal joint. The angular limb deformity was centered on the distal metacarpal physes. Transphyseal bridging of the physes was recommended. Two 2.7 mm cortical bone screws were placed either side of the distal metacarpal physes and a figure of eight wire was placed medially around the screw heads. The screws extended through the medial metacarpus into the axial cortex of the lateral metacarpus. Seven weeks after surgery the limb was straight and the screws and wire were removed. Transphyseal bridging of the distal metacarpal physes can be effectively used for the treatment of metacarpophalangeal valgus in crias with open physes.

Surgical correction of carpal valgus deformity in three alpacas

Two alpaca crias and one 14-month-old alpaca were referred for treatment of bilateral carpal valgus. In one cria, hemi-circumferential periosteal transection and elevation combined with an ulna osteotomy was performed initially without success, however transphyseal bridging with screws and wires was used successfully in both crias to straighten the limbs. As the distal radial and ulna growth plates had closed in the 14-month-old alpaca, bilateral wedge ostectomies of the distal radius and transfixation casts were used to straighten and stabilise the limbs. The ostectomy sites healed and the alpaca is ambulatory, although carpal flexion is significantly reduced. Until the relationship between the growth rate of crias and the success of hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation and ulna osteotomy is established, transphyseal bridging may provide a more reliable result in crias with carpal valgus deformity and open physes. Wedge ostectomy and application of a transfixation cast can be used to correct severe carpal valgus deformities in alpacas with closed physes.