Medicine and Surgery of Camelids

Andrew J. Niehaus

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2022
• Print ISBN: 9781119583240
• eBook ISBN: 9781119583271
• Edition: 4
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Veterinary Medicine

Athoroughly updated new edition of the classic veterinary reference

In the newly revised Fourth Edition of Medicine and Surgery of Camelids, accomplished veterinary surgeon, Dr. Andrew J. Niehaus delivers a comprehensive reference to all aspects of camelid medicine and surgery. The book covers general husbandry, restraint, nutrition, diagnosis, anesthesia, surgery, and the treatment of specific diseases veterinarians are likely to encounter in camelid patients. Although the focus of the text remains on llamas and alpacas, camel-specific information has received more attention than in previous editions with a chapter dedicated to old-world camelids.

The editor revitalizes the emphasis on evidence-based information and pathophysiology and draws on the experience of expert contributors to provide up-to-date and authoritative material on nutrition, internal medicine, and more. A classic text of veterinary medicine, this latest edition comes complete with high-quality color photographs and access to a companion website that offers supplementary resources.

Readers will also find:

• A thorough introduction to the general biology and evolution of camelids, as well as their husbandry and handling
• Comprehensive explorations of camelid physical exams, diagnostics, anesthesia, pain management, and surgery
• Topical discussions arranged by body system including the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system and multisystem disorders
• Chapters dedicated to camelid radiology, parasitology, and diagnostic clinical pathology
• In-depth examinations of camelid toxicology, neonatology, and congenital diseases

Perfect for veterinary specialists and general practitioners, Medicine and Surgery of Camelids will also earn a place in the libraries of veterinary students and trainees with an interest in camelids.

1
General Biology and Evolution

Kanyon McLean¹ and Andrew J. Niehaus²

¹ Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, Montgomery, AL, USA

² Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Farm Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

The domesticated camelids of the world have had a significant impact on civilizations throughout recorded history. Populations of camels, referred to as Old World Camelids (OWCs), are indigenous to Africa and Asia, while South American camelids (SACs), also called New World Camelids (NWCs), have evolved in the countries along the western mountains of South America. OWCs include the one‐humped (dromedary) camel, the two‐humped (Bactrian) camel and, more recently, the wild Bactrian camel of Mongolia. NWCs include alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Alpacas and llamas exist only as domestic species, while guanacos and vicuñas are undomesticated. The vast majority of camels alive today are domesticated dromedary camels in Africa and the Middle East and domestic Bactrian camels in Asia. Wild Bactrian camels are considered critically endangered with an estimated population of about 1000 individuals inhabiting a few select geographic areas in Asia [1, 2].

Taxonomy

Though the classification of OWCs has remained consistent, the classification of NWCs has changed frequently over time, and controversy continues regarding their classification. Carl Linnaeus placed the llama, alpaca, and Old World camels in a single genus, Camelus, in 1758. The scientific name for the dromedary camel is Camelus dromedarius (Figure 1.1) and that for the Bactrian camel is Camelus bactrianus (Figure 1.2). The more recently classified wild Bactrian camel of Mongolia is named C. bactrianus ferus (Figure 1.3) [3–6]. More recent taxonomic classifications place SACs into the genera Vicugna and Lama. The most widely accepted nomenclature for SACs is the following: alpacas are classified as Vicugna pacos, vicuñas are classified as Vicugna vicugna, llamas are classified as Lama glama, and guanacos are classified as Lama glama guanicoe . (Table 1.1) More detailed information on taxonomic history is found in earlier editions of this text.

General Biology and Genetics

The karyotype of all camelids is 2n = 74. All SACs have produced fertile hybrids. Dromedary and Bactrian camels also produce fertile crosses. Though less common, it is possible to produce camel – SAC hybrids, however, most experimentation with t...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Table of Contents
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page
• List of Contributors
• Preface
• About the Companion Website
• 1 General Biology and Evolution
• 2 South American Camelid Behavior and the CAMELIDynamics Approach to Handling
• 3 Feeding and Nutrition
• 4 Physical Exam and Diagnostics
• 5 Radiology
• 6 Anesthesia and Pain Management
• 7 Parasitology
• 8 Multisystem Disorders
• 9 Integumentary System
• 10 Musculoskeletal System
• 11 Respiratory System
• 12 Digestive System and Abdomen
• 13 Endocrine System
• 14 Hematology, Clinical Biochemistry, and Fluid Analysis
• 15 Cardiovascular System
• 16 Reproduction and the Reproductive System
• 17 Urinary System
• 18 Ophthalmology
• 19 Nervous System
• 20 Neonatology
• 21 Congenital/Hereditary Conditions
• 22 Toxicology
• 23 Old World Camelids
• Index
• End User License Agreement