Laparoscopic Cystotomy for Removal of a Large Bladder Polyp in a Juvenile Alpaca with Polypoid Cystitis

Objective: To describe a method for laparoscopic cystotomy in an alpaca. Study Design: Case report. Animals: Female alpaca. Methods: An 8‐month‐old female alpaca was admitted with a 6‐week history of straining to urinate and vulvar swelling. Transrectal ultrasound examination revealed a 1.5 × 1.5 × 2 cm polyp within the bladder. Results: The mass was excised using laparoscopic cystotomy. Leakage from the cystotomy site resolved over 12 days using a Foley catheter. The alpaca was healthy and urinating normally at 9 months after surgery. Conclusion: Minimally invasive surgery by laparoscopic cystotomy can be used to remove large urinary polyps in alpacas. Clinical Relevance: Urinary bladder polyps should be considered as differential diagnosis in alpacas with stranguria.     

Laparoscopic‐assisted tube cystotomy for urethral rupture in a foal

A 10‐day‐old Tennessee Walking Horse colt was hospitalised due to a pelvic urethral tear. After 2 unsuccessful attempts to repair the tear by primary closure, the colt underwent perineal urethroplasty and laparoscopic‐assisted tube cystotomy which permitted complete urine diversion and allowed the urethral tear to heal completely.     

Bladder outlet obstruction in a 6-month-old alpaca secondary to pelvic displacement of the urinary bladder

A 6-month-old female alpaca was presented for stranguria. Based on the history, physical examination findings, and radiographic studies, the alpaca was diagnosed with bladder outlet obstruction, secondary to pelvic displacement of the bladder, a condition previously unreported in camelids. Cystopexy was performed and the alpaca recovered unremarkably.     

Surgical repair of a coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca

A female breeding alpaca with acute lameness of the left hindleg was diagnosed with a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation. Repair was achieved using extracapsular stabilisation. Two nylon sutures were passed through a hole drilled in the femoral neck and anchored to the dorsal acetabulum using two screws and two spiked washers. A metal crimp was used to tighten and maintain the sutures. Postoperatively the alpaca was confined to a stall for 4 weeks before being returned to a paddock. At 6 months after surgery the alpaca was free of lameness and was successfully mated.     

羊驼Bclaf1基因cDNA部分序列的克隆及组织表达特征分析

为了获得羊驼Bclaf1基因cDNA序列,研究该基因在羊驼皮肤中的表达特征.本研究对已构建的羊驼皮肤cDNA文库进行筛选和ESTs分析,并运用免疫组化技术对Bclaf1在羊驼皮肤中的表达进行组织定位.结果,羊驼Bclaf1基因与褐鼠、小鼠、狗、人和黑猩猩Bclaf1基因相应cDNA序列的相似性分别为100%,92.9%、86.0%、81.1%和77.9%.Bclaf1在幼年羊驼毛囊中没有阳性细胞,在成年羊驼、白色和棕色羊驼毛囊的外根鞘处集中表达;根据光密度值分析得Belaf1在不同毛色羊驼毛囊中的表达差异显著.结果表明,Betaf1基因在羊驼皮肤中的表达和定位随年龄和毛色而变化.     

Total Hip Replacement in an Alpaca Using a Cementless Implant

Objective— To report use of a cementless total hip prosthesis in an alpaca.
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— Alpaca (n=1) with chronic craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation.
Methods— A 2.5-year-old Suri alpaca, 3 months pregnant, was admitted for evaluation of acute onset severe left hind limb lameness (grade 4/5) of 6 weeks duration. After diagnosis of craniodorsal luxation of the left femoral head, total hip replacement (THR) using a cementless implant was performed because of the poor prognosis for reduction of a chronic luxation.
Results— A press-fit prosthesis was used and the alpaca delivered a live cria 8 months later. Persistent mild mechanical lameness remained after surgery, with moderate reduction in mobility of the coxofemoral joint. The prosthesis was stable and correctly positioned at 7 weeks and at 9 months. There was mild exostosis surrounding the proximal aspect of the femur at 9 months, and Steinmann pins used to repair the trochanteric osteotomy were removed because of migration. At 1 year, the alpaca has a slight gait abnormality, remains with the herd on pasture and has been re-bred.
Conclusion— Chronic coxofemoral luxation in an alpaca can be managed by THR.
Clinical Relevance— THR is a viable treatment option in alpacas with severe coxofemoral disease.     

Repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in an alpaca

A mature male alpaca with acute lameness of the left handlimb was diagnosed as having a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Repair was achieved using a combination of surgical techniques. A patellar ligament autograft was passed under the cranial meniscal ligament, through the joint and over the femoral condyle, and anchored using a screw and washer. Two nylon sutures were passed through a hole made in the tibial crest, and secured under the screw. The alpaca was confined in a stall for 3 months. Exercise was then increased progressively for 3 months. One year after surgery the alpaca is sound and has resumed breeding activity.     

CDK5对羊驼皮肤黑色素细胞TYR和MITF mRNA表达的调节

为了证实CDK5是否参与羊驼毛色的形成,本研究主要对CDK5在羊驼黑色素细胞中调节TYR和MI TF的表达进行了研究.本研究首先采用免疫组织化学方法检测CDK5在羊驼皮肤黑色素细胞中的定位,再通过脂质体将CDK5转染于羊驼皮肤黑色素细胞,之后通过Western blot和qRT-PCR的方法检测转染后黑色素细胞中CDK5蛋白、TYR和MITF mRNA的表达.免疫组化结果显示CDK5位于黑色素细胞的胞质和细胞核内;Western blot结果显示转染组黑色素细胞中CDK5蛋白表达量明显高于对照组;qRT-PCR结果显示CDK5可下调MITF的表达,同时上调TYR的表达,转染组黑色素细胞中MITF和TYR mRNA的表达水平分别是对照组细胞的0.264 9和3.931 3倍.结果揭示CDK5可能通过调节黑色素细胞核中TYR和MITF mRNA的表达,从而参与调控羊驼毛色形成.     

Surgical repair of a cleft soft palate in an alpaca

A 26-day-old entire male alpaca was referred for surgical treatment of a cleft soft palate. Mandibular symphysiotomy and three-layer closure of the palatal defect resulted in primary intention healing. Despite complications related to anaesthesia the alpaca made a full recovery.     

Correlation Analysis on the Fineness and Single Fiber Strength of Alpaca Wool Fiber

In this study,321 samples were tested to evaluate the correlation between fineness and single fiber strength of alpaca fiber. The results showed that fineness average of lateral part was 24.30 μm,subject range was from 18.01 to 27.00 μm,accounted for 72% of the total samples;The strength average was 8.31 cN,subject range was from 5.01 to 11.00 cN, accounted for 88% of the total samples, it showed that the overall fineness of alpaca wool fiber was fine,the strength could satisfy the textile technology. The correlation results showed that the fineness of different parts (neck, shoulder, thigh, abdomen, lateral and back) in different groups (sex, age) all reflected that the wool fiber of the back was the finest,the strength was the minimal;And that of abdomen was the thickest,the strength was the maximum. On the other hand, we knew the greater the strength, the fineness was thicker; The smaller the strength, the fineness was finer from the distribution of different fineness range corresponded to the strength. In addition, there was also a positive correlation between them in differernt groups (sex,age),the fineness of adult alpaca was thicker than yearling alpaca, the male alpaca was thicker than female alpaca; The strength of adult alpaca was stronger than yearling alpaca, the male alpaca was stronger than female alpaca. The above results showed that the fineness of alpaca wool fiber was positively correlated with the single fiber strength.     

羊驼毛纤维细度与单纤维强力相关性分析

本试验采用相关国家方法标准对321只羊驼毛绒样品开展了纤维细度及单纤维强力参数的检测,旨在分析羊驼毛纤维细度、单纤维强力及二者之间的相关性。结果表明,羊驼侧部毛纤维平均细度为24.30 μm,细度主体范围为18.01~27.00 μm,占样本总量的72%;平均纤维强力为8.31 cN,主体范围为5.01~11.00 cN,占样本总量的88%,说明羊驼毛整体细度较细,强力可满足纺织加工要求。羊驼毛细度和单纤维强力相关性分析发现,不同性别、年龄的羊驼颈部、肩部、股部、腹部、侧部、背部6个不同部位细度、单纤维强力都反映为背部最细,单纤维强力最小,腹部细度最粗,单纤维强力最大;另外,从羊驼毛不同细度区间对应单纤维强力分布也可看出,羊驼毛的单纤维强力值越大其细度值越大,反之越小;除此之外,不同性别、年龄的羊驼毛细度对应单纤维强力也呈正相关,成年羊驼毛细度粗于周岁羊驼,公羊驼毛细度粗于母羊驼,成年羊驼单纤维强力大于周岁羊驼,公羊驼单纤维强力大于母羊驼。综合以上结果,说明羊驼毛细度与单纤维强力呈正相关。     

羊驼毛色相关基因研究进展的综述

羊驼毛纤维颜色丰富,具有22种天然色,与其他哺乳动物一样,主要由遗传基因决定。掌握控制羊驼毛色基因的改变,可以有效地控制羊驼毛色的转变。哺乳动物的毛色表型与动物体内黑色素的种类、数量、合成及分布有关。在羊驼皮肤组织中,Agouti基因、MC1R基因、酪氨酸酶基因家族、KIT基因、AIF基因、β-catenin基因、Wnt3α基因、Mitf-M基因、EDNRA基因、EDNRB基因、CDK5基因、PRS5基因、P基因及花斑突变都参与羊驼毛色的形成与调控。综述了羊驼毛色相关基因的研究进展。     

Diaphragmatic hernia in a two-year-old alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

A 2-yr-old male intact alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was admitted for a 4-day history of anorexia and colic. Five months prior, the alpaca had undergone surgical removal of a duodenal trichophytobezoar and had recovered uneventfully. The alpaca died under anesthesia, and diaphragmatic herniation of the third gastric compartment (C3) was diagnosed at necropsy. A defect was identified in the left dorsal hemidiaphragm accompanied by herniation of 80% of C3 and the aboral portion of the second gastric compartment into the pericardial sac. The smooth margins and dorsal location of the diaphragmatic defect suggested a congenital origin. Diaphragmatic herniation is uncommon in camelids, and only one other case has been reported. Due to the dorsal location of the diaphragmatic defect in this animal, positioning during the previous surgery may have initiated a partial entrapment of gastric compartments, leading to a more complete incarceration between when the animal was discharged and presented again.     

Use of a circular external skeletal fixator for stabilization of a comminuted diaphyseal metatarsal fracture in an alpaca

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old male alpaca was evaluated because of non-weight-bearing lameness (grade 5/5) in the left hind limb. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a closed, comminuted, nonarticular, displaced diaphyseal fracture of the left third and fourth metatarsal bones. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Initial attempts at treatment via reduction of the fracture under traction and subsequent application of a cast were unsuccessful, and more stable fracture fixation was pursued. The alpaca underwent closed reduction of the fracture, which was stabilized by the application of a 3-ring circular external skeletal fixator (CESF). Improved weight bearing on the affected limb was evident soon after surgery and gradually increased; full weight bearing was evident by the seventh day after discharge from the hospital (day 20 after application of the CESF). Lameness was hardly noticeable during walking at that time. After 3 months, complete fracture healing was evident and the CESF was removed; mild outward rotation of the distal fragment and metatarsophalangeal joint was present. A Robert Jones bandage was applied to the limb, and the alpaca was kept in a stall for another 4 weeks. Eleven months after CESF application, the owners and referring veterinarian reported that the alpaca was healthy, not lame, and serving as a stallion without apparent impediment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although mostly restricted to small animals, application of a CESF can be a viable alternative for management of long bone fractures in South American camelids.     

不同地区、不同部位羊驼毛品质性状的研究

本研究旨在了解不同地区、不同部位羊驼毛品质的差异，为羊驼选育及羊驼毛生产提供参考数据。采集新疆野生动物园、新疆阿勒泰、新疆阿克苏、山西、天津地区羊驼颌、颈、肩、侧、股、背、腹部位共636份毛样，进行平均纤维直径、毛丛长度、净毛率、单纤维强力、有髓毛含量、无髓毛含量等性状的测定，分析不同地区及不同部位毛品质性状的差异，并进行最小二乘分析。结果表明，不同地区羊驼毛平均纤维直径、白度、亮度、原毛油脂含量、净毛率、毛丛自然长度、单纤维强力、断裂伸长百分比、有髓毛含量、无髓毛含量均存在极显著差异（P<0.01）；不同取样部位羊驼毛纤维直径、原毛油脂含量、毛丛自然长度、单纤维强力、含杂率存在极显著差异（P<0.01），无髓毛含量和有髓毛含量存在显著差异（P<0.05）。以羊驼毛细度越细毛品质越优为准，结合单纤维强力、毛丛自然长度等性状，羊驼不同部位的毛纤维质量从高到低依次为：背、侧、股、肩、颈、颌及腹部。在育种中可将提高无髓毛含量作为新疆羊驼毛细度的选育目标，将提高净毛率和单纤维强力作为山西、天津羊驼毛育种方向，同时可考虑提高羊驼颈、颌、腹部的无髓毛含量，以提高羊驼整体毛品质水平。     

Treatment of long bone fractures in South American camelids: 5 cases

An adult llama and four alpacas were referred with long bone fractures. The llama presented with a closed, comminuted fracture of the right metatarsal bones. Two of the alpacas presented with comminuted fractures of the proximal radius. One fracture was closed and one was open. One alpaca had a closed, comminuted fracture of the distal radius, and the final alpaca had a closed, oblique fracture of the metatarsus. A diagnosis was made in each animal on the basis of clinical examination and radiographs. All fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using selective placement of lag screws and dynamic compression plates. Four animals made uneventful recoveries and no long-term complications were encountered. One alpaca was re-admitted for plate failure and non-union of the fracture 5 weeks after surgery. The plate and screws were removed and a transfixation cast was applied. The fracture healed, however the alpaca showed signs of radial nerve paralysis after the cast was removed. With confinement in a small yard, full function gradually returned to the leg over the ensuing 4 months. Using techniques recommended in other species, South American camelids are suitable candidates for long bone fracture repair using open reduction and internal fixation.     

Successful management of severe hypoventilation and hypercapnia in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) with short‐term mechanical ventilation

Objective – To describe the successful management of an alpaca with severe hypoventilation and hypercapnia, suspected to be secondary to an anesthesia‐related event. Case Summary – A 3‐year‐old, female alpaca underwent a routine eye enucleation under general anesthesia after traumatic globe perforation. Severe hypoventilation and associated hypercapnia developed postoperatively resulting in a severe primary respiratory acidosis. The awake alpaca was supported with positive‐pressure ventilation for approximately 20 hours before successful weaning. Recovery to hospital discharge occurred over the subsequent 5 days with the alpaca regaining apparently normal respiratory function. New or Unique Information Provided – To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report describing positive‐pressure ventilation of an alpaca in the veterinary literature. In this case of severe hypoventilation, ventilatory support was essential to the positive outcome. As South American camelids continue to increase in popularity there may be an increased demand for high‐quality and sophisticated veterinary care for these animals. Mechanical ventilation can be used to help restore and maintain normal PO₂, PCO₂, and respiratory acid‐base status in alpacas with ventilatory dysfunction.     

The use of equine surfactant and positive pressure ventilation to treat a premature alpaca cria with severe hypoventilation and hypercapnia

A 5-hour-old, premature alpaca cria was presented with failure to nurse, weakness, hypoglycemia, hypercapnia, and respiratory distress. The cria was treated with 3 doses of fresh, crude equine surfactant, positive pressure ventilation, and supplemental intranasal oxygen. Recovery to discharge was uneventful, and the cria regained apparently normal respiratory function. Three years after hospital discharge, the alpaca was a healthy adult.