The New World camelids are a collective group inclusive of llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas, all originating in Central America. They are all members of the Camelidae family. Llamas are traditionally pack animals and are increasingly found as companion animals in the UK. While guanacos and vicunas are still scarce in the UK, alpacas are on the increase and are primarily kept for their excellent fibre. Camelid numbers are rising but is our veterinary knowledge keeping up? As a veterinary student I feel we are taught very little about the eccentricity of the camelids but I suspect our graduated counterparts may sometimes fight back waves of panic as an unusual looking fluffy sheep is produced for their examination. While a practitioner cannot be expected to know everything at once, some respect from clients must be earned through basic knowledge of all our patients. This unusual book should give the reader the confidence to take on the majority of camelid-related cases.
Camelids are of increasing interest due to the recent discovery of their unique immune system. It is thought that llama's unusually small antibodies, used by the immune system to identify and counteract bacteria and viruses, could provide new and improved therapies for diseases including cancer, Alzheimer's and diabetes. Llamas and their camel relatives have been found to have antibodies that are 90 percent smaller than the antibodies of humans, allowing the immune system fighters to better target invading bacteria and viruses. The reduced size could also improve drug delivery as antibodies could not only be administered by injection but also orally or by inhaler. Bacterial growth of these antibodies could also lower production costs. While not yet proven to be a spitting superhero, the llama is certainly becoming more popular here so the required demand for knowledge of their veterinary care should be met.
Camelids, too are vulnerable to infectious and non-infectious diseases as has been shown by recent concerns over their susceptibility to tuberculosis. While arguments rage over how the issue of bovine TB is to be solved in the UK it must not be forgotten that camelids are also involved in the argument. It is well recognised that viruses, bacteria and parasites are capable of changing their structures and re-emerging to present new problems for their animal hosts and therefore local veterinary officers. This book will provide the knowledge necessary for the veterinary surgeon to treat the arising problems and the owner to be better aware of potential problems that may occur within their herd.
My father can't help but demonstrate his enthusiasm for life which is captured in this book making it an invigorating read. Taking every opportunity for a holiday do look out forthe holiday snaps taken in the pretext of work. Having inherited some of his eccentricity and all of his enthusiasm for life this book has made me more excited to get out into the world and tract down and treat all the unusual creatures it provides. As a student I know I still have so much to learn but it is reassuring to know that the thirst for knowledge goes way into the years when you qualify for a bus pass! I really admire my dad's continued professional development and I hope I have the energy to do half as good a job.

Foreword vii

Acknowledgements ix

Glossary xi

Abbreviations xvii

1 Animal Husbandry 1

2 Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases 13

3 Examination 22

4 Sample Taking and Simple Diagnostic Tests 32

5 Veterinary Equipment 44

6 Veterinary Medicines 48

7 Vaccines 63

8 Sedation, Anaesthesia, Surgical Conditions and Euthanasia 68

9 Medicine and Surgery of the Gastroenteric System 80

10 Medicine and Surgery of the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems 112

11 Medicine and Surgery of the Urino-Genital System 121

12 Medicine and Surgery of the Neurological System 145

13 Medicine and Surgery of the Locomotory System 153

14 Skin Conditions 157

15 Cause of Sudden Death and Post-Mortem Technique 168

16 Poisons 175

17 Zoonotic Diseases 214

References 225

Index 229

中国农科院农业信息研究所