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Neurological disease has a wide range of causes in llamas and alpacas, but is most often related to infectious (viral or bacterial), metabolic, toxic and traumatic causes. As a consequence, the neurological manifestation of a systemic illness has to be differentiated from conditions that principally affect the peripheral or central nervous system. Subtle differences in the clinical manifestation and pathophysiology of neurological diseases do exist between camelids and other species. However, diagnostic tools similar to those used in other species are often essential to establish an etiological diagnosis. For example, while spinal radiography may be sufficient to identify traumatic conditions and bony lysis or sclerosis in animals with advanced degenerative vertebral disease, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be required to better evaluate patients with subtle changes.

The clinical presentation of neurologic disorders in camelids varies widely depending on the underlying cause and localisation of the disease. Metabolic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions may also present with neurological signs and must thus be differentiated from those of true peripheral or central nervous system origin, through careful evaluation of history, clinical examination and diagnostic testing. Mentation and behaviour of camelids is generally evaluated from a distance, with subsequent assessment of cranial nerve function, gait, posture and postural reactions, spinal reflexes and muscle tone. Gait assessment often focuses on the differentiation between lower motor neuron weakness (LMN paresis) and general proprioceptive ataxia (with associated upper motor neuron weakness), in order to better localise spinal cord disorders. In this context, tail pull examinations may further aid in discerning upper versus lower motor neuron weakness. A thorough systematic neurological examination is thus paramount to achieve the following goals: determine the presence or absence of neurologic signs; localisation of the lesion (neuro-anatomic diagnosis); determine the etiology of a neurological condition.

Objective—To describe the clinical findings, treatments, and outcome in alpacas treated for scapulohumeral joint luxation (SHJL). Design—Retrospective case series. Animals—10 alpacas. Procedures—Medical records of alpacas with SHJL that were treated at 2 referral hospitals were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination results, radiographic findings, treatments, complications, and outcome were evaluated. Results—Records for 8 male and 2 female alpacas with 16 instances of SHJL were reviewed. Three male alpacas each had 2 recurrences of SHJL in the treated limb. The proportion of male alpacas treated for SHJL was significantly greater than the proportion of female alpacas treated for SHJL. Closed reduction was used in 2 female and 3 male alpacas; SHJL reccurred in the 3 males. Stabilization by use of a lateral extracapsular tension band suture technique was performed successfully in 4 male alpacas; in another male alpaca, reluxation caused by self-inflicted trauma occurred postoperatively. In 2 male alpacas, arthrodesis was performed but residual lameness remained 1 year after surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SHJL should be considered as a differential diagnosis in alpacas with thoracic limb lameness. Luxation may occur more frequently in males. A closed reduction technique may be used successfully to treat acute luxations. Extracapsular stabilization by use of the lateral extracapsular tension band suture technique was successful for treatment of recurrent SHJL and SHJL that could not be reduced via closed reduction.

Most llama and alpaca crias will be born without complication and survive the neonatal period without incident. However, it is important to be able to recognize which crias are likely to be at risk of complications so that you are best able to advise owners and take the correct course of action if required. This article deals with management of the pregnant camelid, the events associated with parturition and the peripartum period with emphasis on the cria, management of the newborn cria including assessment of passive transfer of immunity, issues relating to prematurity, and the major congenital defects that may present as emergencies within the neonatal period.

This article attempts to cover the most common problems likely to present in neonatal crias and to give guidance on how to approach these cases, particularly how to stabilize the acute presentation of a sick neonate. It is impossible to cover every eventuality and it is important to keep an open mind when evaluating and treating sick neonatal camelids. Despite the often moribund presentation of sick neonatal crias, they may be highly rewarding to treat, although hospitalization and 24-hour care is recommended.

Llamas and alpacas are affected by a wide range of neurologic diseases, including listeriosis, polioencephalomalacia, encephalitis caused by West Nile virus and equine herpesvirus, and meningeal worm. Cervical luxations and subluxations appear to be more common in camelids than in other species. Camelids that have otitis or discospondylitis may not present with clinical signs until the underlying pathology is severe. Meningitis and brain abscesses are an important complication of failure of passive transfer of immunity in crias. The cerebrospinal fluid tap is especially useful for diagnosing meningeal worm and ruling out other diseases. CT and MRI are particularly useful when intracranial disease is suspected or for spinal lesions that show only subtle lesions on plain radiography.

Chris Cebra, David Anderson, Ahmed Tibary, Robert Van Saun and LaRue Johnson 640 pages, hardback, £89.09. Elsevier Saunders. 2014. ISBN 978 1 43772 352 6 ![Graphic][1] THIS book is an essential text for anyone working with South American camelids. It is the first, all-around camelid-specific text that guides the clinician in their approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting these animals. It brings together the vast amount of knowledge that has accumulated over the past 20 years or so, into an accessible format. The book is divided into seven sections: herd health, nutrition, reproduction, principles of health … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif