title: Large intra-abdominal abscess treatment by marsupialization in 2 alpacas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome in 2 adult alpacas with large intra-abdominal abscesses treated by marsupialization of the abscess to the ventral body wall.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Alpacas (n = 2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Two alpacas each presented with decreased appetite, lethargy, poor body condition, and marked abdominal distension. A complete physical examination, abdominal radiography, and ultrasonography confirmed the presence of large intra-abdominal abscesses. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was cultured from the abscess fluid of alpaca 1, and a Gram-negative bacillus from alpaca 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both alpacas had exploratory celiotomy with marsupialization of the abdominal abscess to the ventral body wall. Postoperatively, alpacas were administered systemic antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the abscesses were lavaged for several days. Alpaca 2 required a second surgical procedure. The abscesses ultimately resolved in both alpacas, with body wall hernia formation as the only major complication. Both alpacas had good long-term outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Marsupialization to the ventral abdominal wall with concurrent antibiotic treatment should be considered as a treatment option for alpacas with large intra-abdominal abscesses in which complete surgical resection of the abscess is not possible. An abdominal wall hernia can result from this procedure, and clients should be informed of this potential complication before surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rodvold
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Mendez-Angulo
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Firshman
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Malone
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nicholson
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D002161:Camelids, New World; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification