title: Gastrointestinal surgery in alpacas and llamas.
abstract: The clinical signs associated with acute abdominal pain in South American camelids tend to be subtle and less frequent (similar to ruminants) as compared with that of horses. Abdominocentesis and transabdominal ultrasound are useful tools in determining the necessity of an exploratory laparotomy. Preoperative anticipation of the lesion location helps determine the surgical approach to the abdomen. Perioperative management is vital to improve chances for survival. Timely surgical intervention for correctable gastrointestinal lesions is expected to minimize postoperative complications and improve outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Prescott Animal Hospital, 2725 Edward Street North, Prescott, Ontario K0E 1T0, Canada. knewmandvm@yahoo.ca
authors.forename: Kenneth D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000662:veterinary*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary