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Castrating AlpacasPracticing veterinarians are sometimes asked to castrate pet quality males at 4 to 6 months of age, so that the pets may be quickly sold. However, many veterinarians feel that it's best to wait until the male is 18 to 24 months of age to ensure that his musculoskeletal system has reached its mature state. Many veterinarians are concerned that alpaca and llama males castrated before puberty have delayed closure of long-bone physes. This results in geldings with a tall, straight legged stature (particularly of the hind limbs). In llamas, lateral patellar luxation and early onset of degenerative osteoarthritis of the stifle joints have been seen as complications of this posture. Historical data usually reveals that the affected males were castrated at an early age (e.g. 4 months). Castrating Techniques
Basically, any animal castration
method that has been used in other livestock and pet animals
has been done successfully in camelids. However, two methods have become standards
of practice: scrotal castration (similar to horses and swine) and pre-scrotal
castration (similar to canine). Veterinarians routinely administer
tetanus toxoid
vaccination
and procaine penicillin G (22,000 U/kg, q24h x 3 d) to the animal being castrated.
Food should be withheld for 12 hours
prior to castration in case general anesthesia or heavy
sedation becomes necessary.
Post-Operative CareThe castrated male should be placed in a small pen for 24 to 48 hours after scrotal castration. Confinement is not needed after pre-scrotal castration. Owners should monitor the incision for bleeding, swelling, discharge, fly infestation, difficulty urinating, and any other problems. Although complications are uncommon, the consequences of postoperative problems can be devastating. |
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