Laparoscopic Anatomy of the Llama Abdomen

Paralumbar laparoscopy was performed, caudal to the last rib, in seven llamas. All animals were anesthetized, instrumented, and placed in sternal recumbency. Systematic exploration was performed in six donated llamas dividing the abdomen into right and left, cranial and caudal quadrants. The main structures of diagnostic significance that could be observed from the right side were the parietal and visceral surface of the liver, diaphragm, first compartment of the stomach (CI), caudal aspect of the third compartment of the stomach (C3), pancreas, kidney duodenum, jejunum, and ascending colon. From the left side CI, varying lengths of jejunum, ileum, ascending colon, and spiral colon were identified. From both approaches the bladder, and in females the uterus and ovaries could be observed. All animals were necropsied immediately following the procedure. Gross examination of the abdominal viscera in the did not yield any abnormalities that had been missed by laparoscopic evaluation. Using a left paralumbar approach, one clinical case presenting with signs of acute abdominal discomfort was evaluated. A diagnosis was made of diffuse enteritis that was confirmed at necropsy. Because of the distensible nature of the South American camelid (SAC) abdominal wall, the small size of the abdominal viscera, and the freely mobile nature of most portions of the gastrointestinal tract a thorough examination was possible in all animals.