Retrospective review of dystocia in South American camelids

Source Publication (e.g., journal title)

Clinical Theriogenology

Authors

Julianne Nussbaum, UTKCVMFollow
Grace Malla, UTKCVMFollow
Caroline Griffin, UTKCVMFollow
Sarah Templeton, UTKCVMFollow
Andrea Lear, UTKCVMFollow
Eduardo Prado, UTKCVMFollow
Tulio Prado, UTKCVMFollow
Joseph Smith, UTKCVMFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4288-2262

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-19-2025

DOI

https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.12629

Abstract

We describe case management of 30 South American Camelids (7 llamas and 23 alpacas) presented to our tertiary care hospital for dystocia. Assisted vaginal delivery was successful in 80% of llamas and 50% of alpacas. Due to unique camelid anatomy, equid dystocia practices were modified. For llamas and alpacas, neonatal survival rates were 71 and 69%, respectively and nearly all dams (100% [7/7] and 96% [22/23]) were discharged from the hospital. Furthermore, 90% (18/20) of cria survived for at least 1 year. It is important to advise owners of potential complications and the need for rapid and appropriate veterinary intervention (including surgical) if a favorable outcome is desired (for both dam and cria).

Recommended Citation

Nussbaum J., Malla G., Griffin C., Templeton S., Lear A., Prado E., Prado T., & Smith J. (2025). Retrospective review of dystocia in South American camelids. Clinical Theriogenology, 17. https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.12629

Submission Type

Publisher's Version