Humerus fractures in llamas and alpacas: seven cases (1998-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To describe treatment and outcome of humerus fractures in llamas and alpacas.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Llamas (n=4) and alpacas (3) with humerus fracture.


METHODS
Medical records (January 1, 1998-August 1, 2004) were reviewed for small camelids with a humeral fracture. Retrieved data were signalment, history, physical examination and radiographic findings, surgical and medical treatment, and outcome.


RESULTS
Humeral fracture occurred in 7 of 38 (18%) camelids admitted with fractures. Affected animals were aged from 1 month to 3 years old. Fracture configuration included long-oblique (n=4), short-oblique (2), and Salter-Harris Type II fracture of the proximal physis (1). One adult llama was managed by stall confinement and surgical repair was attempted in the other camelids: fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion (n=3), intramedullary pinning and fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion (1), rush pinning (1), and bone plating (1). A Velpeau sling was used for additional support in 3 animals. All fractures healed but temporary radial nerve paresis occurred in 3 animals. Limb shortening and permanent lameness occurred in the llama managed conservatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Humerus fractures in small camelids are amenable to surgical repair which may offer better long-term outcome than medical treatment alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of humerus fractures should have a good prognosis in llamas and alpacas. In select cases, minimally invasive techniques, such as rush pinning or fixation by screws inserted in lag fashion are sufficient for fracture healing.
Newman
Kenneth D
KD
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Anderson
David E
DE
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome