Camelid Medicine & Surgery
Our team oversees a case load of over 600 cases per year from
neighboring herds or referred by practitioners across the Pacific
Northwest as well as other states. Our college has specialists in
all areas of veterinary medicine who are available to consult on
special problems which require advanced diagnostic or therapeutic
techniques.
The anesthesia group provides the highest standard of care for the
management of anesthesia in critically ill or pregnant camelids.
This team is also involved in research on alpacas, evaluating heart
function with various anesthesia and pain management protocols. A
cardiologist provides consultation for advanced techniques in the
evaluation of heart disorders of camelids.
Our teams of
equine and small animal surgeons provide a wide range of advanced
surgical techniques. To cite a few recent examples: a neurosurgeon
working with radiologists diagnosed and treated a pregnant female
alpaca with a brain hemorrhage and a small animal surgeon was able
to correct a congenital urination problem in a cria. This cria,
although not suitable for reproduction, is now leading a healthy and
comfortable life.
Pathologists and diagnosticians from the
Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab
(WADDL) provide diagnostic support using histopathology,
microbiology, toxicology, virology and parasitology. Leading
veterinary virologists at WSU are studying viral infections in
camelids and their significance in diseases such as abortion, as
well as studying the immune response to vaccination against specific
disease agents. Immunologists have also been able to define a
syndrome of immunodeficiency in llamas and alpacas and are working
diligently on an early diagnosis technique.
Veterinary Curriculum
We at WSU are very aware of the importance of camelids and the
shortage of veterinarians with the necessary skills to care for
them. We have instituted several changes in our curriculum to
provide a strong training program for all our graduates.
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First year veterinary students received 3 hours of introductory
lectures and one laboratory to learn about the behavior,
nutrition and handling of camelids.
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All students are exposed to the practice of camelid medicine
during their senior year.
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A one credit course is especially designed for the study of
camelid medicine and surgery
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Students with special interest in camelid medicine and surgery
may join a student club which organizes various activities under
the mentorship of a faculty member.
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Annually, two students who demonstrate a special interest and
ability in camelid medicine and surgery, receive the camelid
scholarship awarded by the Western Washington Alpaca Breeders
Association.
As a result of these efforts, each year, at least 2 of our
veterinary graduates chose to work in a strictly or predominately
camelid practice.
Graduate students are
currently studying the following aspects of camelids
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reproductive physiology
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reproductive disorders
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anesthesia and pain management
Continuing Education for Veterinarians
Our team is solicited by regional, national and international
veterinary organizations for presentations on various topics in
veterinary care of camelids.
Extension and
Continuing Education for Breeders
Our team participates regularly as speakers in regional and national
camelid breeders associations.
Our team of clinicians and scientists has contributed several
papers in scientific journals as well as presentations at
international and national meetings.
Last Edited: Jan 02, 2008 2:18 PM
