Long-bone fractures in llamas: six cases (1993-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome for llamas with long-bone fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
6 llamas.


METHODS
Medical records of llamas admitted between 1993 and 1998 because of long-bone fractures were reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, type of fracture, method of fracture repair, and postoperative complications. The Fisher exact test was used to compare age and sex of the llamas with long-bone fractures with those of the hospital population of llamas. All owners were contacted by telephone to determine perceived postoperative problems and whether the llamas were able to perform as expected.


RESULTS
Mean age was 160.8 days (range, 23 to 365 days). There was 1 male and 5 females. Fractures were more likely to occur in young llamas (< or = 1 year old) than in adults. Five of the fractures were attributed to traumatic episodes. Long bones affected included the tibia (n = 2), radius (2), femur (1), and humerus (1). Internal fixation with lag screws, plating, or both was performed on fractures of all llamas except 1; that llama was treated by use of confinement to a stall. None of the llamas had intraoperative complications, but postoperative complications were reported in 2 llamas. All fractures healed eventually, and clients were pleased with outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-bone fractures in llamas are uncommon. Several types of long bone fractures can be successfully repaired by use of internal fixation, resulting in few complications and minimal convalescent time.
Johnson
C R
CR
Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5522, USA.
Baird
A N
AN
Baird
D K
DK
Wenzel
J G
JG
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome