An approach to the diagnosis of infertility in camelids: retrospective study in alpaca, llamas and camels

Abstract

The incidence of various reproductive problems in camels, llamas and alpacas was investigated in a retrospective analysis. The major complaints at presentation were repeat breeding followed by e.arly pregnancy loss (76 and 18%, respectively) for all the three species. A standard approach for infertility diagnosis consisted of a thorough history, physical examination, palpation and/or ultrasonography of the genital tract and vaginoscopy. Confirmation diagnosis methods were used when indicated and included uterine cytology and culture, uterine biopsy, videoendoscopy, laparoscopy and cytogenetics. Abnormalities of the vulva and the vagina were dominated by persistent hymen, vaginal adhesions and abnormal vaginal conformation in all species. Cervical and vaginal adhesions were present in all cases of pyometra. The most common cause of infertility was found to be uterine infections or uterine fibrosis. The largest discrepancy between camels and lamoids was found in the incidence of various ovarian and ovarian bursal pathologies. The most common ovarian pathology was hydrobursitis and persistent luteal structures in camels and ovarian hypoplasia and ovulation failure in lamoids. Ovarian tumours were very rare. Most of the abnormalities could be identified by ultrasonography, vaginal examination, uterine culture and uterine cytology. Confirmation of ovarian hypoplasia, uterine and ovarian adhesions and oviductal problem required the use of more sophisticated techniques such as laparoscopy or laparotomy. infertility, laparoscopy, llama, reproductive diseases , ultrasonography, videoendoscopy