Congenital caudal vertebral malformations in the alpaca (Lama pacos).
OBJECTIVE
To assess radiologically the caudal vertebrae of a male alpaca with an abnormal tail, and nine of his offspring.


METHODS
Right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs were taken of the caudal vertebrae.


RESULTS
The caudal vertebral abnormalities in these alpacas included vertebral subluxation, hemivertebrae, wedge hemivertebrae and block vertebrae.


CONCLUSIONS
These malformations in offspring of one sire suggest a hereditary basis for congenital caudal vertebral malformations in the alpaca.
Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia.
J L
JL
Vaughan
R A
RA
Lonsdale
G
G
Jackson
D P
DP
Ryan
D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003050:Coccyx / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013623:Tail / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014739:Victoria; D014904:Western Australia