title: Repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in an alpaca.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Marriott
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dart
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Macpherson
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Hodgson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D012421:Rupture / Q000662:veterinary; D013264:Stifle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery