Respiratory system

Abstract

Both camels and South American camelids (SACs) possess a highly mobile philtrum which allows them preferential selection of feedstuffs like sheep and goats. The nasal punctum of the nasolacrimal duct is commonly located less than 1 cm dorsal from the floor of the nostril near the mucocutaneous junction. Examination of camelids should include facial symmetry and determination of the symmetry of air flowing from each nostril. Infectious causes of respiratory disease include bacterial, viral, and fungal etiologies. Viral diseases of the SACs are associated with the respiratory system. Camelids are susceptible to lungworm and nasopharyngeal bot. Congenital disorders include facial deformities, cyclopean cebocephaly, choanal atresia, cleft palate. Injuries to the muzzle or nasal cavity causing swelling of the tissue may occlude the air passageways, resulting in dyspnea. Because camelids are primarily nasal breathers, any impairment of the air passage through the nostrils results in dyspnea and open mouth breathing.