Abstract :
Sixty occurrences of uterine torsion during late gestation in alpacas (n = 56) and llamas
(n = 4) were evaluated to identify the relationship of direction and degree of severity of
torsion, method of correction, and dam and cria survival. Other recorded data included the
time to presentation, stage of gestation, parity, and clinicopathologic assessment. Three
treatment groups were identified: animals which had uterine torsion corrected by rolling
only (60%; n = 36); animals which underwent Cesarean section only (23.3%; n = 14); and
animals which first were rolled but then underwent Cesarean section (16.7%; n = 10). Significant
relationships were recorded between the degree of uterine torsion and the method
of correction – 360◦ torsions were more likely to have to undergo Cesarean section, either
as a solitary treatment method or after rolling (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was
recorded between the gestation age of the fetus and the treatment method implemented.
Counter-clockwise torsions accounted for 18.3% of the cases. Survival of females was high
(96.7%; n = 60), regardless of the treatment method. Survival of the cria was lower for torsions
corrected by Cesarean section alone (71.4%; n = 14) or after rolling (70%; n = 10), when
compared to rolling only (100%; n = 36). The most common clinicopathological findings
were toxemia alone or with concurrent hypocalcemia or hepatic lipidosis, and elevated
creatine kinase. All cases of toxemia had hyperglycemia and tended to have a prolonged
interval to presentation.
