Pathological findings in South American camelids presented at a farm animal clinic in Northern Germany (2005–2021)

Abstract

To expand the knowledge about common diseases in llamas and alpacas in Germany, a screening of the cases of South American camelids presented at the Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany from 2005 to the end of November 2021 was performed. A retrospective evaluation of necropsy reports from this period was conducted. Overall, necropsy reports were evaluated from 187 alpacas, 35 llamas and one vicuña (n = 223). A total of 50.2% of the dissected animals were thin or cachectic. Pathological alterations of the gastrointestinal tract were the most common findings (44.8%). In addition, liver changes were recorded, most frequently in adult animals. In contrast, diseases of the respiratory tract and the nervous system were found more frequently in juvenile animals. This study provides an overview of common pathologies in South American camelids in Germany and thus may help to recognise different disease symptoms at an early stage.